Burrows Pavilion (Stone Canopy) – බරෝස් මණ්ඩපය (ගල් වියන)

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This Stone Pavilion (Burrows Pavilion)  is thought to be the entrance to the oldest Bodhighara in the Abayagiri Complex where the Third Samadhi Statue lies. This canopy has been restored by S. M. Burrows, the head of Archeology Department during (1884-1885) and thus the name. (Godakumbura, 1969)

It is said that when Burrows discovered the remains of the pavilion one of the granite columns which held the top granite bars was missing. He reports ;

While carrying out some mild excavations on the Outer Circular road near the “ stone canoe,” in November last, we had the good fortune to dig up a magnificent stone, nearly square, and weighing some four or five tons, with sunk panelled mouldings to a depth of 1 1/4 ft. As the stone had fallen on its face, the delicate lines of moulding proved to be almost as perfect as on the day they were carved. A little further search was rewarded by the discovery of two smaller stones ‘of similar design, which exactly fitted on to either side of the centre piece; and it was then evident that the trio had formed an oblong canopy over some statue, or perhaps over a throne. The pillars were discovered at some little distance from the canopy, at a depth of about four feet below the surface, and by degrees a series of oblong slabs were turned up, each bearing a bold fresco of peculiar design which ran along and were keyed into the upper rim of the canopy. Finally, the site of the building was found about two feet down. The subsidence of the ground had displaced some of its pavement stones, but the general shape and the measurements left no doubt of its identity. Further excavations revealed no less than three large stone “ sannasas,” one quite perfect, the other two more or less mutilated ; and also a very perfect specimen of a yoga stone with twenty-five squares. (Ievers, 1899)

He located this column with greatest difficulty but then he came up with a problem of keeping the granite top on the two columns. According to tradition, the Sinhalese laborers then informed him that they have a way of moving such items even to greater heights and he explained that by filling the gap between the two columns with earth, any object could be rolled up and positioned at the top. All you have to do after that is to remove the earth. Mr. Burrows took the idea and said to have completed the restoration of this canopy using this method.

To reach this site, you need to travel 350 meters to the west on the Watawandana Road from Abhayagiri Stupa and take the foot path towards the trees. Its lies 250 meters south from the Ratna Prasada and 200 meters north of Eth Pokuna.

References

• Ievers, R.W., 1899. Chapter II. In Manual of the North-Central Province, ceylon. Colombo: G.J.A. Skeen, Govt. Printer.
• Godakumbura, C., 1969. History of Archaeology in Ceylon. Journal of the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, New Series Volume XIII, p.15.

Also See

• Ancient Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka
• Other Places of Interest Within Close Proximity

• Anuradhapura – The city of the God King

Map of Burrows Pavilion (Stone Canopy)

Driving Directions to Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura can be reached through many routes from Colombo. The two main routes are through Puttalam (Puttalama) and though Kurunegala. Traveling from Puttalam you will pass scenic Wilpattu area. the From Kurunegala there are two main routes to Anuradhapura. The most common route is through Dambulla. The other route is though Galgamuwa. Out of all the routes, the commonly used is the Kurunegala – Dambulla route (Route 2).