Types of Stupas
Basically, a stupa has several salient features. Buddhist literature mentions six types of stupas differing according to the shape of the dome or body of a dagaba. This is mentioned in "Vijayantha Potha".
They are:
- Dhanyakara - Heap of paddy shape
e.g. : Kelaniya stupa
- Ghantakara - Bell shape
e.g. : Ambastala dagaba at Mihintale
- Bubbulakara - Bubble shape
e.g. : Ruwanweli Maha Seya at Anuradhapura, Rankoth Vehera & Kiri Vehera at Pollonnaruwa
- Ghatakara - Pot shape
e.g. : Situlpavwa, Somawathiya, Kiri Vehera at Kataragama
- Padmakara - Lotus shpae
e.g. : Vijayarama at Anuradhapura, Puliyankulama, Indikatu Seya at Mihintale
- Amlakara - Shape of Nelli fruit (Phyllanthus emblica L.)
No records exist of the finding of this type of stupa in Sri Lanka.
Another type of stupa is mentioned in the book "Manju Sri Vasthu Vidya Shastra"
- Palandawakara - Shape of an onion
e.g. : Nadigampala stupa
Read more about this topic: Ancient Stupas Of Sri Lanka
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