History of Stupas
There are two recorded instances regarding the construction of stupas in Sri Lanka even in the lifetime of the Buddha. One of those instances is the construction of the Mahiyangana chaitya at Mahiyangana in the valley of Mahaweli enshrining the Buddha's Hair Relic presented by the Buddha to God Sumana(Saman).The other instance is the construction of a stupa at Tiriyaya enshrining the Hair Relics presented to the tradesman brothers Tapassu and Balluka. This event is mentioned in an inscription written in Sanskrit found at this site.
During the time of Emperor Asoka, numerous ‘stupas’ were built at hallowed sites in India. In these were enshrined relics of the Buddha which people venerated. When it was observed that there were no Buddha relics in Sri Lanka, the king, on Arahat Mahinda’s suggestion, appealed to Emperor Asoka to send some relics. He responded to the king’s request and sent the right collarbone relic of the Buddha.King Devanam Piya Tissa built the Thuparama dagaba to enshrine this relic(the Right Collar Bone of Lord Buddha). The Thuparama is regarded as the first ever historical stupa built in Sri Lanka.The building of colossal stupas started during the reign of King Dutugemunu.Afterward many kings built stupas.
Read more about this topic: Ancient Stupas Of Sri Lanka
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