Dakkhina Stupa - Anuradhapura

Dakshina Stupa Subs Inscriptions Period: 07–08th Centuries A.D. (1224–714 A.H) Script: Brahmi / Tamil-Brahmi Introduction The donation of the Dakbhini vihara inscription (no. 11) by an upasaka (lay devotee) called Upathissa of Ruhuna is dated in the fifth year (203 A.D.) of the reign of King Siri Sangabo (151–184 A.D). Contents In all the above nos. 4, 5, 28 lists several areas that were donated to cultivators by King Khujjanaga after evaluating 80 silver coins and thus in the year 2 of his reign the work on the dharma was offered for lighting of oil lamps and for activities related to Dakarasin vihara. And further in no. 7, Dhakbini reliquary was mentioned and that all the above lands were again evaluated for the work of the construction work of “Uda Kulada vata” belonging to the Dakkin Vihara.

A UNESCO site at Anuradhapura, it was the political and religious capital that flourished for 1,300 years, was abandoned after an invasion in 993. I do not know how you loose a site like this but it was apparently hidden away in dense jungle for many years, the splendid site, with its palaces, monasteries and monuments, is now accessible once again. Leave lots of time to explore and admire.

Dakkhina Stupa is a 2nd-century BC large brick Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Stupa was identified to have been built to mark the site of cremation of King Dutugamunu (In 161 BC – 137 BC). The structure was identified in 1946 as Dakkhina Stupa by the eminent archaeologist Mr. Senarath Paranavithana. This structure was for centuries locally known as the tomb stone of king Ellalan, known as Elara Sohona, which was worshipped by Tamils and Sinhalese. should visit. It is located on the way to Jaya Sri maha bodhi at mahamewuna uyana.

I really liked this spot, it seems like real ancient ruins , one can tell it used to be much larger. Lots of birds hopping all over and pla to threatening to grow out through the cracks. Very grounding feel. Has one very nice carved pillar. And one nice large Bodi tree.

This is a brick Stupa situated in Anuradhapura near to Sri maha bodhiya.Earlier thought to be a monument of King Elara.But later it was identified as the Stupa of ancient Dakini Vihara.

According to the legends this site was known as the Pulila terrace as there was a growing Pulila tree at that time period and the thero, Mihindu had requested from the King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC – 267 BC) to cremate his remains here. The legend further states that the remains of King Dutugamunuwere also cremated in this terrace. It is said that this Stupa was constructed and named as Dhakkina thupa by a minister during the reign of King Valagamba (103 BCE and c. 89–77 BCE). The structure was popularly known as Elara Sohona, the tomb of 2nd century BCE king Chola Tamil king Ellalan (c. 205 – c. 161 BC), who invaded Sri Lanka and ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom for over 40 years. It was popularly believed that King Dutugemunu had built this for King Ellalan, after defeating him in battle. But in the mid-19th centuries James Fergusson a Scottish architect and writer who studied History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, had mentioned (1876) this structure could not be the Elara's tomb. This new identification and reclassification is considered controversial and disputed historical conceptualization in Sri Lankan history.

This is a large brick mound structure , probably an unfinished stupa lying close to sri maha bodhi. Untill recently this site was mistakenly identified as tomb of Elara. This location was identified as the Dhakkhina stupa by professor Paranavitana in 1946.

I lived next to Ellalan Ninavu Thoobi for about 3 years (1957). Only one gravel road was separating it from my compound along Kurunagala Road. What is the view of the eminent archaeologist Pathmanathan and other scholars? An objective approch with international participation is required to find the truth .