Anuradhapura Ruwanwelisaya stupa: crystal pinnacle (Choodamani) and yanthragala relic foundations?
What subterranean stone relic chests (Yanthragala) and crystal pinnacle masonry support the 103-meter-high white dome of Ruwanwelisaya?
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3 Answers from travellers
Ruwanwelisaya (Mahathupa) in Anuradhapura, constructed in the 2nd century BC by King Dutugemunu, is one of the world's most venerated Buddhist stupas. Standing 103 meters high, the solid brick hemispherical dome rests upon massive stone foundations laid over compacted clay and crushed pebble layers. Beneath the central garbhaya (relic chamber) lies a grid of subterranean stone relic chests (Yanthragala) carved with compartments holding thousands of gold and gem-studded Buddha statues. The dome is crowned by a square harmika and a polished crystal pinnacle (Choodamani) gifted from Burma.
The stupa base is encircled by a monumental wall of 360 stone elephants standing shoulder-to-shoulder, symbolizing cosmic pillar support for the universe.
Pilgrims circumambulate the brick terrace day and night, offering white lotus blossoms and chanting Pali stanzas under floodlit white plaster domes.
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