A Sri Lankan stupa is far more than an impressive building. These sacred monuments hold relics of the Buddha and of senior monks, and Buddha statues often have a place at their heart as well. That makes them some of the finest expressions of Buddhism on the island.
In this article, you'll discover how a Sri Lankan stupa is built, what makes the stupa structure so distinctive, and which forms Buddhist stupa architecture has taken in Sri Lanka. We'll walk you through every part, from the broad base to the gleaming pinnacle.
What Is a Sri Lankan Stupa?
The stupa is one of the most striking architectural forms in Buddhism. It is a sacred monument that protects relics and honours the teachings of the Buddha.
Dagoba, Cetiya or Stupa?
In Sri Lanka, the stupa is known by two other names as well: dagoba and cetiya. Whichever term you come across, it always refers to the same type of shrine.
The Beginnings of Stupa Building in Sri Lanka
According to tradition, stupa construction began with the arrival of Buddhism on the island. This happened during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura.
The very first stupa in Sri Lanka is Thuparamaya, located in Mahamewna Park in Anuradhapura. Countless others followed. The largest one built to date is Jetavanaramaya, also in Anuradhapura.
The Spiritual Meaning of a Stupa
In Buddhism, building a stupa is considered an act of great merit. There are two main reasons for this:
- A resting place for relics: a stupa enshrines relics of the Buddha and of senior monks.
- A source of wisdom: the stupa is seen as a centre from which the Buddha's wisdom and knowledge spread.
So when you stand before a stupa, you are looking not just at a monument, but at a place that keeps the Buddha's teachings alive.
Design and Materials in Buddhist Stupa Architecture
What stands out about Sri Lanka's stupas is their consistent design. Even stupas built in different periods follow the same basic principle.
The Relics at the Heart of the Stupa
The entrance is usually placed outside the stupa itself. This keeps the centre free for what truly matters: the relics of the Buddha, which are kept at the very middle of the structure.
Lime Plaster with Unusual Ingredients
The outside of a stupa is usually covered with a coat of lime plaster. Other materials were often added to the lime, such as:
- clay, sand and pebbles;
- crushed seashells;
- sugar syrup, egg white and coconut water;
- plant resin, drying oil and glue;
- the saliva of white ants (termites).
The exact mix depended on what the design required. At Kiri Vehera, for example, the plaster consists of small pebbles and crushed seashells mixed with lime and sand.
The Stupa Structure: Six Parts from Base to Pinnacle
Traditionally, a stupa is divided into six parts during construction. Together they form the classic stupa structure, which is best read from the bottom up.
The Base: Pesavalalu and Gharbaya
- Pesavalalu: the terraces on which the dome rests. At the foot of the stupa are three circular terraces that become smaller towards the top.
- Gharbaya: the hemispherical dome above the terraces. At its core is the relic chamber, the Dhathu garbhaya, where the relics of the Buddha are enshrined. Alongside the relics, Buddha statues are also placed at the centre of this chamber.
The Middle Section: Hatharas Kotuwa and Devatha Kotuwa
- Hatharas Kotuwa: the square or rectangular, block-shaped section directly above the Gharbaya. A relic of the Buddha is enshrined here too.
- Devatha Kotuwa: the cylindrical neck of the stupa, built on top of the Hatharas Kotuwa. Images of various deities are carved into its surface.
The Pinnacle: Koth Kerella and Koth
- Koth Kerella: the long, conical spire on top of the Devatha Kotuwa. It appears to be made of rings, each slightly smaller than the one below it.
- Koth: the highest point of the stupa, called "silumina" in Sinhala. This pinnacle is usually made of metal, precious crystal or a gemstone.
Vahalkada and Chethiyagara: Additional Elements Around the Stupa
Besides the six fixed parts, a stupa is sometimes enhanced with two additional elements.
Vahalkada
A Vahalkada is a decorative structure built against the stupa at each of the four cardinal directions.
Chethiyagara
A Chethiyagara is a single-storey building that surrounds the stupa. It serves two purposes:
- it protects the stupa itself;
- it provides space for Buddha statues, stupas and other Buddhist artworks, whether made on site or collected from elsewhere.
Forms of the Sri Lankan Stupa
The ancient Sinhalese text Vijayantha Potha describes several types of stupa. The classification is based on the shape of the dome, in other words, the body of the stupa.
The Stupa Types at a Glance
- Dhanyakara (paddy heap): the dome is shaped like a heap of paddy. One example is the Kelaniya stupa near Colombo.
- Ghantakara (bell): a bell-shaped dome, as seen at the Ambastala stupa in Mihintale.
- Bubbulakara (bubble): a dome shaped like a bubble, as seen at Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura.
- Ghatakara (pot): a pot-shaped dome. Examples include Situlpawwa near Kataragama and Somawathiya.
- Padmakara (lotus): a lotus-shaped dome, found at Vijayarama in Anuradhapura and Indikatu Seya in Mihintale.
- Amlakara (nelli fruit): a dome shaped like a nelli fruit (Indian gooseberry). This type is described only in the text; no example is known in Sri Lanka.
- Palandawakara (onion): an onion-shaped dome, as seen at the Nadigamvila stupa.
One Basic Design, Great Variety
This overview shows how varied Buddhist stupa architecture in Sri Lanka is. The overall layout always stays recognisable, but the shape of the dome can differ greatly, from a modest paddy heap to an elegant lotus.
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of the Sri Lankan Stupa
A Sri Lankan stupa is a carefully considered blend of symbolism, craftsmanship and devotion. From the three terraces at its base to the silumina at its peak, every part has its fixed place. Once you understand the stupa structure, you see these sacred monuments through new eyes.
Buddha statues play a special role here: they are given a place in the relic chamber and in the Chethiyagara surrounding the stupa. Would you like to bring some of that serene atmosphere into your own surroundings? In the 1stBuddha gallery, you'll find a carefully curated collection of statues and Buddhist art.
Looking for Buddha Statues? We're Happy to Help
Has Sri Lanka's Buddhist stupa architecture inspired you, and are you looking for a statue to match? Take a look at the collection of statues and art in our gallery.
Do you have questions about a specific statue, or would you like personal advice on your choice? Contact us, and the 1stBuddha team will be glad to help.
