Demala Maha Seya (Stupa)

Sri Lanka / Matale / Sigiriya /
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This gigantic uncompleted Stupa has been built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) using the labour of Tamil prisoners brought from India when he attacked the Soli Kingdom in South India.

For some reason he has been unable to complete this and at a later stage a smaller Stupa has been built upon the uncompleted semi-spherical structure. Some believe that since this was built at two levels it was called “Demahal” (two storied) Seya which later became “Damila” Seya.

If he had been able to complete this Stupa, this would be 186 metres (570 feet) tall and would have been the largest Buddhist monument built by man. It is also said that the king Parakramabahu wanted this monument to be seen from India , thus the planed the size accordingly. This area was once cleared, but recently it has been abandoned again by the authorities.

www.amazinglanka.com/pollonnaruwa/damila_seya/damila_se...
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Coordinates:   7°58'11"N   81°0'18"E

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  • This gigantic uncompleted Stupa has been built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) using the labour of Tamil prisoners brought from India when he attacked the Soli Kingdom in South India. For some reason he has been unable to complete this and at a later stage a smaller Stupa has been built upon the uncompleted semi-spherical structure. Some believe that since this was built at two levels it was called “Demahal” (two storied) Seya which later became “Damila” Seya. If he had been able to complete this Stupa, this would be 186 metres (570 feet) tall and would have been the largest Buddhist monument built by man. It is also said that the king Parakramabahu wanted this monument to be seen from India , thus the planed the size accordingly. This area was once cleared, but recently it has been abandoned again by the authorities.
This article was last modified 16 years ago