Ancient Stupas of Sri Lanka
Encyclopedia
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
is considered an outstanding type of architectural creation of ancient Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...
. Under the influence of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
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
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura, , is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization.The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic...
, the king built the Maha Vihara, a temple and residence for the monks, after dedicating the Nandana
Nandana
Nandana was a fort in eastern flanks of Salt Range in Punjab Pakistan. It was ruled by Hindu Shahi family and Mahmud of Ghazni expelled them from here...
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 collosal stupas, biggest of which is Jetavanarama.
History of Stupas
There are two recorded instances regarding the construction of stupas in Sri Lanka even in the lifetime of the BuddhaBuddha
In Buddhism, buddhahood is the state of perfect enlightenment attained by a buddha .In Buddhism, the term buddha usually refers to one who has become enlightened...
. One of those instances is the construction of the Mahiyangana chaitya
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara
Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It is believed to be the site of Gautama Buddha's first visit to the country, and is one of the Solosmasthana, the 16 sacred religious locations in Sri Lanka.-Buddha's visit:...
at Mahiyangana
Mahiyangana
Mahiyangana is a town in Badulla District, Uva Province of Sri Lanka. Some orthodox Sri Lankan Buddhists believe that Lord Gautam Buddha himself traveled from India to visit Sri Lanka and arrived at Mahiyangana to stop a war between the race of Yakshas and the race of Nagas...
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
Sanskrit
Sanskrit , is a historical Indo-Aryan language and the primary liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Buddhism: besides Pali, see Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit Today, it is listed as one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is an official language of the state of Uttarakhand...
found at this site.
During the time of Emperor Asoka, numerous ‘stupas’ were built at hallowed sites in India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. 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 collosal stupas started during the reign of King Dutugemunu.Afterward many kings built stupas.
Construction of a stupa
The construction of stupas were considered acts of great merit. The purpose of stupas were mainly to enshrine relicRelic
In religion, a relic is a part of the body of a saint or a venerated person, or else another type of ancient religious object, carefully preserved for purposes of veneration or as a tangible memorial...
s of Buddha. The design specifications are consistent within most of the stupas, entrances to stupas are laid out so that their centre lines point to the relic chambers.
The stupas were covered with a coating of lime plaster
Plaster
Plaster is a building material used for coating walls and ceilings. Plaster starts as a dry powder similar to mortar or cement and like those materials it is mixed with water to form a paste which liberates heat and then hardens. Unlike mortar and cement, plaster remains quite soft after setting,...
, plaster combinations changed with the requirements of the design, items used included lime, clay, sand, pebbles, crushed seashells, sugar syrup, white of egg, coconut water, plant resin, drying oil, glues and saliva of white ants. The fine plaster at Kiri Vehera
Kiri Vehera
Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa built by King Mahasena and situated in Kataragama, Sri Lanka. It is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. This structure probably dates back to the 3rd century B.C.-External links:**...
used small pebbles, crushed seashells mixed with lime and sand were used in the stupas from the fifth to twelfth centuries.
Parts of a Stupa
A stupa usually comprises of 6 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
- VahalkadaVahalkadaVahalkada, known as frontispiece in English, is a structure constructed joining a 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...
(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 VatadageVatadageVatadage is a type of Buddhist structure found in Sri Lanka. It also known as dage, thupagara, and cetiyagara. Although it may have had some Indian influence, it is a structure that is more or less unique to ancient Sri Lankan architecture. Vatadages were built around small stupas for their...
(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.
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
eg : Kelaniya stupa
- Ghantakara - Bell shape
eg : Ambastala dagaba at Mihintale
- Bubbulakara - Bubble shape
eg : Ruwanweli Maha Seya at Anuradhapura, Rankoth Vehera & Kiri Vehera at Pollonnaruwa
- Ghatakara - Pot shape
eg : Situlpavwa, Somawathiya, Kiri Vehera at Kataragama
- Padmakara - Lotus shpae
eg : 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
eg : Nadigampala stupa
Thuparamaya
King Devanam Piya Tissa built the Thuparama dagaba to enshrine the Right Collar Bone of Lord Buddha. The Thuparama is regarded as the first ever historical stupa built in Sri Lanka. Originally it was in the shape of a heap of paddy but as restorations were done in later years, it took the form as seen today. It has a diameter of 59 in 6 in (18.14 m) at the base. As the name suggests, Thuparama comprised a ‘stupa’ and an ‘arama,’ a residential complex. Ruins of such a complex can be seen within an area of over 3 acres (12,140.6 m²) around the ‘stupa.’The Great Stupas of Sri Lanka
The ‘stupas’ built later on were much larger than the Thuparama.It is accepted that the building of collosal stupas started during the reigh of King Dutugemunu. King Dutugemunu (161-137 BC) built the Mirisaveti which has a diameter of 168 feet (51.2 m) at the base and the most venerated ‘stupa’ - Ruvanvali Mahaseya, also known as Ratnamali Mahathupa. While the base has a diameter of 289 feet (88.1 m), the height is given as 120 cubits (‘riyan’), equivalent to around 300 feet (91.4 m). It took the form of ‘bubbulakara’ or bubble shape. When the Abhyayagiri dagaba was originally built by King Vattagamani (Valagamba - 103 BC) it was not very large but later enlargements made it larger than the Mahathupa. King Mahasena (276-303 CE) is credited with building the largest of them all - the Jetavana, which has a diameter of 367 feet (111.9 m) at the base. Though the present height is estimated at 232 feet (70.7 m), the original height is supposed to have been 160 cubits.The main feature of Jetavana is its foundation, which goes all the way to the bedrock and 25 feet (7.6 m) deep. The height of Jetavana and the depth of the footing is approximately equal. Total Jetavana structure including the foundation is much heavier and massive than the largest pyramid of Egypt.
Large stupas were also built at Mihintale at the site where Arahat Mahinda met the king, Magama, Dighavapi (near Ampara), Kataragama and other places. The builders of ‘stupas’ in Sri Lanka had closely followed the designs of such monuments built in Sanchi and other places in India. In huge monuments, the dome rose from a triple-based platform. The dome was surmounted by a square railing of wood or stone which later became a cube of masonry. A stone pillar embedded in the dome rose above the railing. The ‘stupa’ was crowned by an umbrella (‘chattra’) or a series of umbrellas.
Small Stupas
The Kantaka Chaitya in Mihintale is a fine example of a small dagoba. It features some of the finest stone carvings and terra cotta figures. They are well preserved to this day. The presence of a ‘vahalkada’ or front piece is another interesting feature in this chaitya.There are carvings of animal figures, pot and foliage and other familiar ornamental motifs. These front pieces seen in most dagobas project from the base and face the cardinal points.
Vatadage
It can be observed that after the 4th century, the building of colossal dagobas has virtually ended. Thereafter smaller ones have been built using Thuparama in Anuradhapura as a model. This type came to be known as ‘vatadage’ or rotunda. It is a circular relic house and apart from Thuparama and Lankarama in Anuradhapura, the best example is seen in Polonnaruwa.There are two other beautiful ones at Medirigiriya close to Polonnaruwa and Tiriyayi off the Anuradhapura-Trincomalee road. These circular shrines enclosed stupas of smaller size and had wooden pillars right round. Later they were replaced by carved stone pillars. The pillars are arranged in four to two concentric circles, diminishing in size outwards.
Temple of the Tooth
After the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in the ninth year of the reign of King Kitsirimevan (303-331 BC), a temple to keep the Tooth relic was built in Anuradhapura from where the king ruled. Thereafter in each capital of the Sinhalese kings, there was a separate Temple of the ToothTemple of the Tooth
Sri Dalada Maligawa or The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex which houses the Relic of the tooth of Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is...
.
Notable stupas
- RuwanwelisayaRuwanwelisayaThe Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Sri Lanka, considered a marvel for its architectural qualities and sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. It was built by King Dutugemunu, who became lord of all Sri Lanka after a war in which the Chola King Elara, was defeated...
- ThuparamayaThuparamayaThuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration.Mahinda Thera, an envoy sent by King Ashoka himself introduced Theravada Buddhism and also chetiya worship to Sri Lanka. At his request King Devanampiyatissa built Thuparamaya in which was enshrined the...
- Ridi Vihara
- LovamahapayaLovamahapayaLovamahapaya is a building situated between Ruvanveliseya and Sri Mahabodiya in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya because the roof was covered with bronze tiles....
- Abhayagiri DagabaAbhayagiri DagabaAbhayagiri vihāra is situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most extensive ruins in the world and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage cities in the nation. Historically it was a great monastic centre as well as a royal capital, with magnificent monasteries rising to many...
- Jetavanarama
- Mirisaveti StupaMirisaveti StupaThe Mirisaveti Stupa is situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. King Dutugamunu built the Mirisaveti Stupa after defeating King Elara. After placing the Buddha relics in the sceptre, he had gone to Tisawewa for a bath leaving the sceptre. After the bath he returned to the place...
- LankaramaLankaramaLankarama is a stupa built by King Valagamba, in an ancient place at Galhebakada in the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Nothing is known about the ancient form of the stupa, and later this was renovated. The ruins show that there are rows of stone pillars and it is no doubt that there...
- IsurumuniyaIsurumuniyaIsurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tisawewa .-History:The temple was built by King DEVANAMPIYATHISSA who ruled in the ancient Sri Lankan capital of Anuradhapura. After 500 children of high-caste were ordained, Isurumuniya was built for them to reside...
- Rathna PrasadayaRathna PrasadayaRathna Prasadaya was a skyscraper built by King Kanittha Tissa who ruled Ceylon from 167 to 186 AD. Mihindu II and Mihindu IV renovated the building during the 8th and 10th centuries. The bhikkhus of the Tapovana belonging to the Pansakulika sect resided here. Beautiful guard stones of the...
- Dakkhina StupaDakkhina StupaDakkhina Stupa also called Dakkhina Tupa is a 2nd century BC stupa built over the cremated ashes of King Dutugemunu. The Bhikkhus of the Sagalika sect resided here. It was constructed by Uttiya, a Minister of King Valagamba, in the Ancient Sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka...
- Sela CetiyaSela CetiyaSela Cetiya is one of the 16 main places of worship or Solosmasthana and is situated to the west of Jetavanaramaya in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This was constructed by King Lajjitissa who ruled in the 1st century BC. The diameter of the base of the stupa is 37 ½ feet. This...
- Naka ViharaNaka ViharaNaka Vihara is a stupa, or Buddhist religious monument, built with bricks and square in shape. The stupa is located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The site was constructed according to an unusual model and would have been similar to the seven story building in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. Excavations done...
- Kiribath VeheraKiribath VeheraKiribath Vehera is situated in the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The remains of this vihara shows that it is 30 feet in height and the circumference is 425 feet. The date of construction and the king who built it, is unknown. In close proximity to this are the ruins of an image...
- Pubbarama
- Tapovana
- Tissamaharamaya
- Kiri VeheraKiri VeheraKiri Vehera is an ancient stupa built by King Mahasena and situated in Kataragama, Sri Lanka. It is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. This structure probably dates back to the 3rd century B.C.-External links:**...
, Kataragama - Kiri Vehera, PolonnaruwaPolonnaruwaThe second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader.-History:While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of Kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa...
Ancient technology associated with stupas
It is important to examine the technology applied in the construction of stupas comprising the features mentioned above. Examining the building of the foundation of a stupa to suit its size, one can get an idea of the application of the knowledge of science and geometry prevalent in ancient times. The Jetavana excavations conducted recently confirm that the construction of the platform or base on which a stupa stands has been very solid and strong. The skill shown by the craftsmen in maintaining the shape of the stupa reveals the advanced state of technology prevalent at the time. One wonders how the materials used in building Jetavanaramaya could have been carried to such a height.See also
- History of Sri LankaHistory of Sri LankaThe History of Sri Lanka begins around 30,000 years ago when the island was first inhabited. Chronicles, including the Mahawansa, the Dipavamsa, the Culavamsa and the Rajaveliya, record events from the beginnings of the Sinhalese monarchy in the 6th century BC; through the arrival of European...
- Ancient Constructions of Sri LankaAncient Constructions of Sri LankaThe Ancient Sinhalese excelled in the construction of tanks or reservoirs, dagobas and palaces, as evident from the ruins which displays a rich variety of Architectural forms.-Irrigation Works:...
- Architecture of ancient Sri LankaArchitecture of ancient Sri LankaThe architecture of ancient Sri Lanka displays a rich variety of architectural forms and styles, varying in style and form from the Anuradhapura Kingdom to the Kingdom of Kandy. Ancient Sri Lankan architecture mainly grew around religion, styles of Buddhist monasteries were in excess of 25...