Jetavana Stupa opens on June 4

Nimal WIJESINGHE

The Jetavana Stupa after the completion of its conservation project will be unveiled for public worship on June 4 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Sponsored by the Central Cultural Fund the renovation and conservation work of the Jetavana Stupa commenced in 1981.

According to the ‘Mahawamsa’ King Mahasena (276-303 BC) is credited with the creation of the Jetavana Stupa comprising a diameter of 367 feet (112m) at the base.

Though the present height is estimated at 232 feet (71 m) the original height of the Stupa was believed to have been 160 cubits.

It has been found that the foundation goes straight down 250 feet to the bedrock.

The Jetavana dagoba is considered the largest stupa in the world.

Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane recently visited the Jetavana worksite and inspected conservation work.

The Minister said that at a time terrorism was diminishing it was a great meritorious deed to revive the Jetavana Stupa to its past glory.

He said the President would commission the newly reconstructed Jetavana stupa by switching on the lighting system at the auspicious time. At the historic moment the Air Force will sprinkle jasmine flowers from the air in reverence.