Rankoth Vehera – The Golden Pinnacle Stupa in Sri Lanka
Rankoth vehera is located in the Polonnaruwa District. Polonnaruwa was the second ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. The ruler king Nissankamalla was built this stupa in his ruling period.
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| Rankoth vehera |
Rankoth vehera is the fourth largest stupa in Sri Lanka.
It is a bubble-shaped stupa like Ruwanweliseya stupa in Anuradhapura. The name
Rankoth has come from because it's the golden pinnacle. Ran means gold and Koth
means pinnacle. Vehera means stupa. According to the ancient chronicle
Pujawaliya and Chulawamsa, king Nissankamalla has offed a gold pinnacle for
the stupa. After then the stupa named Rankoth vehera.
Brick is the only construction material of this
stupa. There is a stone platform for this stupa. It is believed that the
original stupa was 200 feet high. But now it is 108 feet high. And has a 550
approximately diameter. Eight petals lotus flowers can see on the square shape
placed on the stupa. It is a very special carving in the hathares kotuwa.
The stupa had been four gateways. Gateway means vahalkada. Now there is only one gateway to see and it is 22 feet high. Others are only ruins. Vahalkada has been decorated with beautiful artwork. There are carvings of human beans shaped gods on that gateway. There is a small image house and stone chair close to the stupa. It is believed that the chair was used by king Nissankamalla to watch build this stupa. How can the Rankoth Vehera be the largest stupa in Polonnaruwa District.
Thuparamaya – The first stupa in Sri Lanka
Thuparama
stupa is located in the Anuradhapura district. It is the ancient city of Sri
Lanka. Thuparamaya is the first stupa built after introducing Buddhism to Sri
Lanka. It was built by king Devanampiyathissa. An ancient time it was named ‘Thumburup vehera’ and this place was named’ Pramoja Wasthu’. Thuparama stupa
is situated North side of the Ruwanweliseya stupa.
The shape of the stupa
The stupa
was originally constructed with the shape of a heap of rice. It is called
Danyakara. But the stupa was destroyed several times by the attacks of other
countries. After some time it was rebuilt and the shape came like a bell. Now
the stupa is 63 feet high. It is believed that collar bones of the Lord Buddha
are enshrined within the stupa.
The dome
There was a
dome over the stupa. The dome has built by king Wasabha. But now it does not appear. Now there are only octagonal pillars around the Thuparama stupa. It
has made of stone and with decorations on the heads, There are four octagonal
pillar lines around the stupa. The stupa
has built on the round stage. It is 12 feet high from the land.
The help of kings to this place
King Devanampiyathissa has built this stupa
and king Laggithissa was built a stone wall around the stupa. The stupa was
constructed many times. The king Upathissa I have offered a golden cover for the
pinnacle of the stupa. The stupa has been a sacred place from ancient times.
The stupa was destroyed many times attacked of the other countries such as
Chola and Pandya. After then the king maha Parakramabahu has rebuilt this
stupa. At that time the shape of the stupa came like a bell shape.
Ruins around the stupa
There are many remains of buildings of this stupa area. It is believed that there was a hospital, shrine room and sannipatha hall in this place. The well called ‘ Nagalu linda’ is on the north side of the stupa. That well may be used by the Buddhist monk for their water which stays in the Thuparama temple. Thuparamaya is one of eight sacred places of Anuradhapura.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
Nissanka latha mandapaya is an ancient unique structer in Polonnaruwa District. Nissanka latha mandapaya was build by king Nissankamalla(1187-1196 A.D.) who ruled the kindom of Polonnaruwa. Nissanka latha mandapaya.
Nissanka latha mandapaya is located near the western enternce of the Dalada maluea, the area of most sacred places in Polonnaruwa city.
The structure of Nissanka latha mandapaya.
Nissanka latha mandapaya a unique structure. This structure is an elevated stone platform with a number of stone columns. It is surrounded by a low stone wall. There are eight granite columns on this structure. It is approximately 8 feet 4 inches in height. This columns crown is covered in the shape of a blossoming bud. These columns are not straight. It is curved in three places. It gives a good attraction for this structure.
The centre of the structure
There is a small stupa at the centre of the platform. It was made of stone. But the top part of stupa has been destroyed along with time. The stupa is decorated with a carved design.
The stone railing
The platform of the Nissanka Latha mandapaya is surrounded by a stone railing. It is a similar part of Sanchi Stupa in India. There is a small door entrance to the structure.
Nissanka Latha mandapaya is used by king Nissanka malla to listen to spirit which is the chanting of Buddhist scriptures.
The famous Architecture Senerath Paranawithana said that this is the best example of a feature of ancient Sri Lanka architecture.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya Polonnaruwa Video
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya Map