Posted by Yin Teing on July 21, 2010 under Anuradhapura, Mihintale | 
I spent the longest time in this Dagoba, going around it. Actually, a strange feeling akin to dejavu came over me when I visited the place. There was strong wind blowing since the Dagoba is located on the peak.
There is a little monastery located next to the Dagoba. When I went in, an old monk actually put out the book and ask for donation. Hmmm….. monks are not supposed to solicit donation in any form according to the Vinaya (code of conduct). Furthermore, it’s sad- the place is so badly maintained.
Above, lies the statue of the Buddha as he was about to pass away.
And on the side, it is Venerable Ananda, Buddha’s chief attendant monk. As he watched his teacher passing away to parinibbana, his heart was breaking as one hand was on his heart. At that time, I could almost feel his pain and felt tears well up in my eyes. Holy places usually invoke this type of emotion. Perhaps, I was once a Sri Lankan in my previous births.
A closer view of the photo. It’s sad that no one took the time to clean up the place- instead, all they do is to ask for donation.
Posted by Yin Teing on October 14, 2009 under Anuradhapura, Ruvanwelisiya Dagoba |
The dome is 80m in diameter and 53m high. The Dagoba is located near the Sri Maha Bodhi (as you walk out of Sri Maha Bodhi, it is located on your left side). Built around 140 BC by King Dutthagamenu to house relics.
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Posted by Yin Teing on October 11, 2009 under Anuradhapura, Thuparama Dagoba |
The Thuparama Dagoba is said to house the right collar-bone of the Buddha:
Built by Devanampiya. The dagoba or chedi is 18 metres high but originally is shaped as a paddy heap. The current shape you see now has been renovated by 1862.
Above: I took this photo outside Thuparama Dagoba
Posted by Yin Teing on October 5, 2009 under Anuradhapura, Jethawanarama Dagoba |
A strange feeling of dejavu actually overcame me as I stepped out from the van. While the driver waited for me, I walked around this magnificient Dagoba.
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Posted by Yin Teing on October 2, 2009 under Abhayagiriya Dagoba, Anuradhapura |
Designated as one of the World Heritage site, Unesco have allocated funds for restoration works of this Dagoba. Sri Lankas from all walks of life, men and women climbed barefoot under the hot sun on the Dagoba, passing bricks from one another to help to restore the site. The dedication and hardwork these people put in really touches my heart.
Originally built in 88BC by Vattagamani.
Original measurement: 400m in circumfrance and 110 m high.
Current height: 110m because a part of its pinicle had disappeared. It was built to give shelter to Mahayana monks and was once an important center of Buddhist learning. Chinese traveller and monk, Fa Hien wrote in the 5th century that there was 5000 monks residing there. There was a 7 m Jade Buddha sparkled with gems and the dagoba (chedi) was built on top of the Buddha’s footprint.
