Ancient Stupas of Sri Lanka

Ancient Stupas Of Sri Lanka

The stupa is considered an outstanding type of architectural creation of ancient Sri Lanka. Under the influence of Buddhism there occurred several changes in the field of architecture in Sri Lanka. The stupa commands a prominent place among these changes. The Stupa is also known by synonymous names such as Chaithya, Dagaba, Thupa, Seya and Vehera. Stupas designed and constructed in Sri Lanka are the largest brick structures known to the pre-modern world.

After Arahat Mahinda introduced Buddhism during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa (307-267 BC), in the Sri Lanka’s ancient sacred capital, Anuradhapura, the king built the Maha Vihara, a temple and residence for the monks, after dedicating the Nandana and Mahamega royal pleasure gardens to the Maha Sangha. The earliest monument found in Sri Lanka is the ‘Stupa,’ which is described as a hemispherical dome surmounted with a spire (‘kotha’).

The first historical stupa found in Sri Lanka is Thuparama. Afterward many stupas were built, some colossal stupas, biggest of which is Jetavanarama.