Sri Lanka's large modern stupas - accessible white domes
Gangarama Maha Seya in Kalutara
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In the late 20th and the early 21st century, several large stupas have been constructed in Sri Lanka that almost equal the classic stones of Anuradhapura in size. But in contrast to the ancient paragons, the modern white dagobas are not massive brick constructions, but cement domes with hemispherical interior halls that are accessible. In all cases, a smaller stupa is placed in the center of the hall.
An early example of the new huge white stupa domes is Gangarama Viharaya in Kalutara at the west coast. Kandy has now two stupas of the this new accessible type, namely at the Abhayagiri Temple in the town and Sandagiri Maha Seya on a hill of Hanthana Range, which is Kandy's backyard mountain. Sandagiri is not far from the Ceylon Tea Museum ad the International Bird Park. However, by far the largest cement construction of a hall with a small stupa inside a huge stupa dome is Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya not far from the dam of Kotmale Reservoir. Honouring the ancient three largest stupas of Anuradhapura, even the largest new stupa in Sri Lanka is a little bit smaller than the smallest paragon of Anuradhapura, which is also the most ancient of the said giant stupas, namely Ruwanweliseya
An early example of the new huge white stupa domes is Gangarama Viharaya in Kalutara at the west coast. Kandy has now two stupas of the this new accessible type, namely at the Abhayagiri Temple in the town and Sandagiri Maha Seya on a hill of Hanthana Range, which is Kandy's backyard mountain. Sandagiri is not far from the Ceylon Tea Museum ad the International Bird Park. However, by far the largest cement construction of a hall with a small stupa inside a huge stupa dome is Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya not far from the dam of Kotmale Reservoir. Honouring the ancient three largest stupas of Anuradhapura, even the largest new stupa in Sri Lanka is a little bit smaller than the smallest paragon of Anuradhapura, which is also the most ancient of the said giant stupas, namely Ruwanweliseya
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