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Anuradhapura Abhayagiri Stupa architectural scale: diameter, brick core, and Vahalkada frontispieces?

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Venerable Nanda Stone•945 rep

What architectural dimensions, brick masonry bonding, and decorative frontispieces define the 75-meter Abhayagiri Stupa in Anuradhapura?

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Abhayagiri Stupa in Anuradhapura, founded in the 2nd century BC by King Valagamba as the headquarters of the Abhayagiri monastic university, was one of the tallest ancient architectural structures in the ancient world. Standing today at 75 meters (245 feet) with a base diameter of 106 meters, the stupa was constructed from millions of kiln-fired clay bricks bonded with lime mortar. Four ornate decorative frontispieces (Vahalkada) face the cardinal directions, featuring exquisite stone bas-reliefs of celestial dwarfs, naga serpents, and floral scrollwork.

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Dr Senarath CCF•1920 rep

Restoration work directed by the Central Cultural Fund in the late 20th century stabilized the crumbling brick dome using traditional lime mortar mixes.

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Venerable Nanda Stone•945 rep

The vast surrounding monastic complex houses the famous Guardstone with Multi-headed Cobra (Maha Naga) and the Ratna Prasada bronze palace ruins.

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Minoli Heritage•1850 rep

Visitors must remove footwear before stepping onto the stone-paved circumambulation terrace surrounding the massive brick stupa base.

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Sarah Field Scout•1720 rep

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