Dakkhina Stupa


Dakkhina Stupa is a 2nd-century BC large brick Stupa in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. The Stupa was identified to have been built to mark the site of cremation of King Dutugamunu. The structure was identified in 1946 as Dakkhina Stupa by the eminent archaeologist Senarath Paranavithana.
This structure was for centuries locally known as the tomb stone of king Ellalan, known as Elara Sohona, which was worshipped by Tamils and Sinhalese.

History

According to the legends this site was known as the Pulila terrace as there was a growing Pulila tree at that time period and the thero, Mihindu had requested from the King Devanampiya Tissa to cremate his remains here. The legend further states that the remains of King Dutugamunu were also cremated in this terrace. It is said that this Stupa was constructed and named as Dhakkina thupa by a minister during the reign of King Valagamba.
The structure was popularly known as Elara Sohona, the tomb of 2nd century BCE king Chola Tamil king Ellalan, who invaded Sri Lanka and ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom for over 40 years. It was popularly believed that King Dutugemunu had built this for King Ellalan, after defeating him in battle. But in the mid-19th centuries James Fergusson a Scottish architect and writer who studied History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, had mentioned this structure could not be the Elara's tomb.
This new identification and reclassification is considered controversial and disputed historical conceptualization in Sri Lankan history.