Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura literally means the "Gold Dust Dagoba", was conceived by King Dutugemenu in the 2nd century. The plan was to house Buddha relics on the place as indicated by the Arahant Mahina. The Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura is also known as Mahathupa or "the Great Stupa" and is popularly considered as the greatest of the Dagobas of Anuradhapura. During the enshrinement of the relics, several monks are believed to have come here.
The original Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka is believed to be 135 meter high, though the present height is considerable shorter. The diameter of the structure is 80 meter. The Dagoba was constructed in the classic shape of a bubble, which is floating in water. The Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura has wall which is embellished with full sized sculpted elephants. The walls with elphants symbolize the Buddhist mythology that the earth is held by them. There are four gatehouses which are present at the four cardinal points of the wall.
The structure also has the massive white dome which represents heaven according to Buddhist mythology. Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura also has a conical spire which is the parasols of kingship, or the protuberance on the head of Buddha, representing super enlightenment.
The construction of Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura began in 144 BC. Elephants with leather foot coverings were used to lay round stones on earth dug to a depth of 15 feet. The cement used was a material called butter clay.
Today many restoration work were undertaken at Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura. The original bubble shape has lost its shape a bit. It is one of the important places of worships for the Buddhists in Anuradhapura.
travel.mapsofworld.com provides online information on Ruwanweli Dagoba, Anuradhapura as well as other Tourist Attractions in Anuradhapura.
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