Thuparama Dagoba, Anuradhapura

Thuparama Dagoba, Anuradhapura (29 August, 2005)

The Thuparama Dagoba is the first Buddhist building in Anuradhapura. It is located a short distance from the Lankarama Stupa. Compared with the other dagobas in Anuradhapura, it is considered small. Nevertheless it is very sacred to Buddhists, as they believe it enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.

I explored the Thuparama Dagoba with a few members of AsiaExplorers. What we see of the dagoba today is a reconstruction. Moreover, we learn that it is different in shape from the original dagoba, which resembled a heap of rice whereas the present one is more a bell-shape stupa. The grove of stone pillars that surround the dagoba are the remains of an old vatadage that used to shelter the original stupa with a conical roof.

Ruins of a temple near the Thuparama Dagoba, with its moonstone still well preserved (29 August, 2005)

The Thuparama was built by King Devanampiyatissa to enshrine the collarbone of the Buddha which was a gift from India, a testiment to the cordial relationship during that time. Archaeological escavation discovered medical texts and surgical instruments from the ancient times, giving a revealing picture of life during those times, The use of medicinal baths was fashionable. Patients who are paralytic or in coma after a snake bite is immensed un a bath enriched with medicinal potions that would gradually absorb into the body.