Parts of A Stupa
A stupa usually has six parts
- Pesavalalu - Berms or terraces
A stupa consist of 3 such berms at its base.The 3 berms rising from the base gradually reduce in size.
- Gharbaya - Hemispherical Dome
The hemispherical dome is constructed on the three berms.In the middle of the dagaba was built a relic chamber (Dhathu garbhaya). The Buddha's Relics are enshrined here.In the centre of the Relic Chamber was placed a bo-tree made of precious metals, and an image of the Buddha round which were groups of figures representing various events in the life of the Buddha.
- Hatharas Kotuwa - Tee cube
Relics are enshrined in this part too.
- Devatha Kotuwa - Cylindrical neck
This is built on the Hatharas Kotuwa. Figures of deities are carved on the surface.
- Koth Kerella - Conical Spire
This is built on the Devatha Kotuwa.A crystal(Chudamanikya) on a pinnacle made of metal is placed at the top of the spire to adorn it.
- Kotha -
This is also called "silumina" in Sinhala. This is a usually a pinnacle made of metal on top of which is a precious crystal or gemstone(Chudamanikya).
There are other constructions associated with the stupa
- Vahalkada (Frontispiece)
This is a structure constructed joining the stupa at its four cardinal directions as a decorative flourish. Later these frontpieces came to be decorated or embellished with designs such as the creeper design. Stone slabs erected for the purpose of offering flower at the stupa too have been added to these frontpieces.
- Chethiyagara (Shrine House) or Vatadage (Circular Relic Chamber)
The Chetiyagara is a structure constructed as a protection chamber for the stupa. There is evidence to show that such chambers were erected to shelter the small stupas built during the early years. The roofs of these structures are believed to have been wooden.
Read more about this topic: Ancient Stupas Of Sri Lanka
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