Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Abhayagiri Dagoba

          Abhayagiri Dagoba built around 88 BC with the original height of more than a hundred meters is one of the highest landmarks in the world of nature. This dagoba was just part of a set of monastic buildings. Abhayagiri gained popularity and fraternity of Buddhist monks, attracting scientists from around the world in all shades of Buddhism and as such influence can be attributed to other parts of the world. Third century AD saw the golden age of Abhayagiri, and when they brought the remains of the tooth of Buddha to Sri Lanka fourth century, Abhayagiri was selected to house the remains for public veneration.

         Apart from being a religious monument, Abhayagiri Dagoba also serves as the symbol of national renewal, where the king who built this great edifice he did in fulfillment of a promise he made when he was forced to flee his kingdom. 14 years after his exile, he returned to the king, overthrew are Dravidians and regained the kingdom. This period marked by the end of the Brahmins and Jain influence in the country.

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