RUVANVELI DĀGOBA, ANURADHAPURA (IInd—Ind Century B.C.), Figure on JISOA., Vol II/2 pp. 97

RUVANVELI DAGOBĀ, ANURADHAPURA (IInd-Ist century B.C)

Fig. 1; Elevation (restored) showing a threefold basic terrace. The original simple base has been subdivided into three cylindric steps. The four main places of worship are strongly marked by altars and opposite entrances (in place of toranas).

Fig. 2; Ground plan; the platform has changed from the round to the square form, as can be seen also in the later Stūpas of Sanchi. At the same time the platform has been doubled; the inner enclosure being some steps higher than the outer one. There is only a rudiment of a round platform in the shape of a circular terrace close to the base of the dagobā. From the four chief points of the compass steps are leading up to the platforms, the main entrance being as usual in the south, because the enlightenment, the most important of the four great events in the Buddha’s life, corresponds to the sun in its highest position, i.e. in the south. The ‘htḯ’ has grown into a hight cone which probably was interrupted by several stone discs or at least crowned by one.

DETAILS;

A = spire (‘htḯ’)

B = harmikā

C = hemispheric cupola

D = threefold base

E = main places of worship (altars)

F = circular terrace

G = upper (central) platform

H = lower (outer) platform

I = southern (main) entrance

K = steps (entrances)

RUVANVELI DĀGOBA, ANURADHAPURA (IInd—Ind Century B.C.), Figure on JISOA., Vol II/2 pp. 97

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