Sela Cetiya
The Sela Cetiya, also known as Ambastala Dagaba, is a significant stupa located at the Mihintale Royal Rock Temple in Sri Lanka. It is one of the 16 main places of worship and is believed to have been built by King Mahadatika Mahanaga to commemorate the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, marking the spot where Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiyatissa.
Key Facts
- ›Constructed by King Mahadatika Mahanaga.
- ›Commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
- ›Believed to enshrine the Buddha's hair relic (Urna Roma).
- ›Converted to a Vatadage style in the 2nd or 3rd century.
- ›First relic encountered on the upper terrace of Mihintale.
- ›Considered one of the 16 main places of worship in Sri Lanka.
Important Relationships
- Mahinda Thero
- King Devanampiyatissa
- King Mahadatika Mahanaga
Vatadage Style Architecture, Remnants of Original Wooden Roof Pillars
- Site Where Mahinda Thero Met King Devanampiyatissa, Marking the Introduction of Buddhism To Sri Lanka.
- Believed To Be Visited By the Buddha On His Third Visit To Sri Lanka.
Vatadage
About Sela Cetiya
The Sela Cetiya, also known by the name Ambastala Dagaba, is a prominent stupa situated within the Mihintale Royal Rock Temple complex in Sri Lanka. It holds a significant position as one of the sixteen principal sites of Buddhist worship, known as Solosmasthana, within the country. Its historical and religious importance is deeply rooted in the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
History and Significance
The construction of the Sela Cetiya is attributed to King Mahadatika Mahanaga. The site is particularly revered as the location where Mahinda Thero, the son of Emperor Ashoka of India, first met King Devanampiyatissa. This encounter is widely regarded as the pivotal moment that led to the establishment of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, tradition holds that the Buddha himself visited this location during his third pilgrimage to the island. The stupa was erected to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha: his hair relic, known as the Urna Roma, believed to be situated between his eyebrows.
Architectural Features
During the 2nd or 3rd century CE, the Sela Cetiya underwent a significant architectural transformation, being converted into a Vatadage. The Vatadage is a distinctive circular relic house, characteristic of ancient Sri Lankan religious architecture. Many of the original pillars that supported the wooden roof of this structure remain standing to this day, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur.
Visitor Experience
For pilgrims and visitors, the Sela Cetiya is the first significant relic encountered upon reaching the upper terrace of the Mihintale Complex. Access to this terrace involves ascending a considerable flight of 1,840 steps from the base of the ancient monastery. Its prominent placement and profound historical and religious connections make the Sela Cetiya a key point of interest at Mihintale.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sela Cetiya also known as?
The Sela Cetiya is also known by the name Ambastala Dagaba. This alternative name is used in historical and religious contexts.
Who is credited with the construction of the Sela Cetiya?
The stupa is believed to have been constructed by King Mahadatika Mahanaga. His reign was instrumental in the development of Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
What significant historical event is associated with the Sela Cetiya?
The stupa is located on the spot where Mahinda Thero met King Devanampiyatissa, an event that marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. This makes the site of great historical and religious importance.
What relic is believed to be enshrined at the Sela Cetiya?
The Sela Cetiya is believed to enshrine the Buddha's hair relic, known as the Urna Roma. This relic is traditionally said to be located between the Buddha's eyebrows.
What architectural style was the Sela Cetiya converted to?
In the 2nd or 3rd century, the stupa was converted to a Vatadage style. This architectural style is a distinctive feature of ancient Sri Lankan religious structures.
Related Buddhist Temples
Yatala Vehera
Yatala Vehera is an ancient Buddhist stupa located in Deberawewa, Sri Lanka, believed to have been constructed in the 3rd Century B.C. It is significant for its unique architectural features, including a stage of granite stones, a wall adorned with sculpted elephant heads, a moat, and a large moonstone. The stupa is considered by some to be the first ever built in the Ruhuna kingdom and is associated with early Sinhalese arahants and regional royalty.
Aluvihare Rock Temple
The Aluvihare Rock Temple, also known as Matale Alu Viharaya, is a significant Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka's Matale District. It holds historical importance as the site where the Pāli Canon was first transcribed onto palm leaves, preserving Buddhist scriptures during times of upheaval. The temple complex features numerous monastery caves, some adorned with ancient inscriptions, frescoes, and Buddha statues, making it a place of both historical preservation and religious devotion.
Gokanna Vihara
Gokanna Vihara was an ancient Buddhist temple historically situated in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, near the entrance of Fort Frederick. The Mahavamsa chronicle indicates its construction by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD, replacing a Hindu temple on Swami Rock.