King Mahasen (3rd century AD) has the honour of being the creator of the largest stupa in Ceylon and in the whole world. A part of a sash (belt tied by the Buddha) is believed to be enshrined here. It is 400 feet high. The compound of the stupa is 8 acres. One side of the stupa is 576 feet in length. The four flights of steps at the four sides is 28 feet in depth. The doorpost to the shrine which is situated in the courtyard is 27 feet in height. It is a foot underground. There are some stone inscriptions in the courtyard with the names of donors inscribed.
|
