Kiri Vehera(kataragama)

Situated in the southern province of Sri Lanka, it is one of the main shrines. Kiri Vehera is believed to have been built during the 3rd century B.C. by King Parakramabahu the Great. It is 95 ft. in height with a circumference of 280 ft. There are 5 places of worship Kirivehera, Maha Bodhiya, Katharagama Devala, Sella Katharagama and Vedihitikanda.

This has been built by a queen of king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) called “Subadra”. The original name of this has been “Rupavathi Stupa”. This too is a part of Ãlahana Privena and stands 80 feet in height today.

This is also the second biggest stupa in Polonnaruwa today. Also it is the only stupa to survive the 900 years of forces of nature and still is in the original condition.

Around Kiri Vehera there are many restored smaller stupas. These have been identified as burial chambers of high priests and royals. Many of these including Kiri Vehera stupa has been attacked by treasure hunters and their valuables looted.

The two identical stupas south to the Lankathilaka is thought to be built upon remains of a king and a queen.

Kiri Vehera is one of the five most important sites of worship in the city along with the Maha Bodhi, Kataragama Devale, Sella Kataragama and Vedihitikanda. The dagoba is also described in the stanzas as one of 16 most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

There are many theories on the origin of the dagoba. Some believe it was built by Parakramabahu the Great of Polonnaruwa during the Third Century BC, on the request of Queen Subadra. Some think that it was first built by a local ruler named Mahasena on a site made hallowed by the Buddha’s visit.

Some believe that the vihara was originally known as Magul Maha Seya and although there are no clues as to who built it, the bricks used in the construction bear Brahmin inscriptions which point to King Mahanaga’s reign during the Third Century BC. Some records even date it to the first century BC.