History
The stupa is not a unique
structure to Sri Lanka. This
structure can also be seen in
countries such as India and
Myanmar. The f irst Stupa
identified in Sri Lanka
is Thuparama, which was
built during King Devanam
Piya Thissa era (4th century
BC). But according to
some folk stories, Girihadu
Seya in Thiriyaya is the oldest
Stupa, which was built
by two merchants named
Thapassu and Balluka.
Ruwanwelisaya or the
Great Stupa, Abhayagiriya
and Jethawana stupa are
the three largest stupas in
Sri Lanka.
Jethawana stupa which
was built during King Mahasen
era is considered as
the world’s largest brick
structure and also it was
the third highest building
of the world at the time it
was built, surpassed only
by two great pyramids in
Giza.
Sanchi stupa, India
Architecture
In ancient times, stupas in Sri
Lanka were built according to the
ancient Indian stupa structure.
For example, the Sanchi Stupa
in India has basal rings, railing,
dome, hollow square chamber
and umbrella. But in Sri Lanka,
the structure was developed in
a slightly modified way that the
structure can be built taller than
the existing ones. Ruwanwelisaya
which was developed around the
10th century A.D. portrays this
stupa structure.
Main Components of a Stupa
Basal rings
Dome
Square chamber
Cylinder
Spire
Minaret
Crystal
GAUGE Magazine
University of Peradeniya
Page
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