is a dagoba in Anuradhapura with the base
diameter of 18m and 3.45m in height. Thuparamaya, located in the heart of
Anuradhapura is considered to be the first dagoba built in Sri Lanka following
the introduction of Buddhism. This Chetiya was built in the shape of a heap of
paddy enshrining the collarbone of the Buddha. Thuparamaya was destroyed and rebuilt
from time to time with the current monument being rebuilt in 1862 AD.
Thuparamaya is surrounded by a granite compound and 2 rows of
stone pillars round the dagoba. The stone columns around the dagoba were once
supporting a ring shaped roof structure of Thuparamaya.
In 7th century BC, Thuparamaya stupa was rich with gold and
silver decorations, bricks and doors. The dagoba was then plundered by the
Pandyans (south Indian Tamil), who took away all its gold and treasures.
Thuparamaya stupa was later renovated by King Mahinda IV, who re-installed the
golden casings and doors. There was another attack on Thuparamaya stupa by
Colas (south Indian Tamil), who completely plundered the complex of its
valuables.
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