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Kiri Vehera
6.7000° N, 81.5500° E
About
Kiri Vehera is an ancient stupa located in Kataragama, Sri Lanka, believed to have been constructed in the 3rd century BCE by King Mahanaga. This site is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage destination, recognized as one of the Solosmasthana, the sixteen sacred sites in ancient Sri Lanka. The stupa stands 95 feet tall with a circumference of 280 feet, and it is situated near the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. Notably, two inscriptions from the 2nd century CE have been found at the site, one of which mentions a donor named Mahadali Mahana raja, a local ruler of the Ruhuna Principality. These elements highlight the site's historical and religious importance over centuries.
Gallery
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Historical Timeline
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Construction of Kiri Vehera
3rd century BCE
Inscriptions by Mahadali Mahana raja
2nd century CE
Archaeological Features
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Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
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