Prasada Stupa (Indikatu Seya) of Abhayagiri Monastery

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Discover a hidden treasure in Anuradhapura—the rare Prasada Stupa, one of only four square-shaped stupas in Sri Lanka. Built over a natural rock, it blends mystery, history, and Mahayana influence, standing quietly between Ratnaprasada and the Samadhi statue.

This small stupa is located between the Ratnaprasada and the third Samadhi statue of the Abhayagiri Monastery in Anuradhapura. Unlike the typical dagabas with circular bases, this stupa belongs to the Prasada type, built around a natural rock and featuring a square base. Its design is reminiscent of the Satmahal Prasada in the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa and shares similarities with stupas commonly found in Thailand.

There are only four known square-shaped stupas in Sri Lanka, a rare variation from the more common circular design. The best known is the Sathmahal Prasadaya in Polonnaruwa. The remaining three are located within the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom but are far less visited by pilgrims. Among them, Nakha Vehera is the most prominent. The other two belong to the Abhayagiri Monastic Complex: one lies west of Eth Pokuna, on the western edge of the monastery, and is often referred to as the Vahadu Mula Stupa or simply the Square Stupa. The fourth is the unique Prasada Stupa, built over a natural rock and standing quietly between Ratnaprasada and the third Samadhi statue.

Tomb of King Dutugemunu?

The original name of this stupa has been lost to history, but today it is commonly referred to as the Prasada Stupa. Locally, it is also known as Indikatu Seya and sometimes as the Tomb of King Dutugemunu. Only fragments of the structure remain, including portions of the Image House. Scholars believe that the stupa was associated with a Mahayana Buddhist sect during the late Anuradhapura period, highlighting the diversity of religious practices that once thrived in the ancient capital.

Temple of Kovil?

The purpose of this building is not entirely clear. At first glance, it gives the impression of a Hindu kovil, yet its layout is unusual. A massive boulder of rock forms the foundation for a sanctuary or shrine, its tapering summit enclosed in heavy brickwork that transforms it into a high, square pillar. The faces of this brick structure were once richly decorated with small pilasters—molded bricks, of which still lie scattered nearby.

Atop this lofty platform once stood a small brick temple, with a central chamber and possibly two smaller rooms to the west, slightly elevated. Today, only traces remain: door lintels and steps that hint at its former plan.

Stairways and Sculptures

Access to these upper chambers is gained by a winding staircase ascending from the south side of the rock. Twelve of these steps still survive, together with one gracefully curved balustrade. Along the stair walls are inset sculptured stones of lions and dwarfs, recalling the artistry of Polonnaruwa. The stair likely continued around to the east, leading either to the rooftop or directly to the chambers above.

Interestingly, no entrance seems to connect these upper chambers to the temple below. Instead, worshippers must first mount the four steps onto the terrace before climbing the stairway—a feature that suggests these upper rooms served as relic chambers rather than living or ritual spaces.

The Lower Temple

Built against the eastern side of the rock, the temple itself is simple in design. It stands on a plain, stone-faced platform, reached by steps flanked by guardstones—one still intact. The entrance leads to a modest hall, with doorways on either side opening into two long rectangular chambers. Behind the central chamber, massive brickwork supports the stairway that climbs to the rock-top shrine.

The roof, as in many such shrines, is supported by short pillars just over five feet high, set flush against the walls and invisible from outside. No statues or fragments are found here, though near the entrance a stone column capital of distinct Polonnaruva style lies detached, with no surviving pillar to match. Two carved dwarf stones, likely once decorating the entrance above the guardstones, add to the temple’s sculptural detail. At the base of the stair to the upper shrine rests a stone basin for ritual ablutions.

Important Information for Foreign Tourists Visiting Sites at Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Most of the more popular sites in Anuradhapura strictly check for tickets from tourists, while the less-visited sites tend to be more relaxed due to the lack of staff. However, tourists should be cautious, as some unscrupulous tuk-tuk drivers may attempt to exploit this situation.

They sometimes offer to take foreign tourists along routes where ticket checks are less common or even try to collect the entrance fee themselves, claiming they will purchase the tickets on the tourists’ behalf. Tourists are strongly advised not to fall for such scams, as this can lead to unnecessary complications with site security or the police.

Information on the Anuradhapura Cultural Heritage Ticket and where and how to purchase can be found here

Prasadha Stupa also known as Indikatu Seya is one of the two square shaped stupa's found in the Abhayagiri Monastery

References

Hocart, A. M. (1924). Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: Vol. I–VI (1st ed.). Archaeological Survey of Ceylon.

Also See

Anuradhapura – The city of the God Kings
Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites Hallowed by Buddha
Atamasthana – The Eight Sacred Sites in Anuradhapura

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Driving Directions to Prasada Stupa (Indikatu Seya) of Anuradhapura Abhayagiri Monastery

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Bus

Anuradhapura can be conveniently reached by bus, train, or private transport. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate from the Colombo Fort Main Bus Station. In addition, luxury buses departing from various locations in Colombo travel via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya and Jaffna; these require advance online booking and generally operate overnight, arriving at their final destinations early in the morning.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Train

Five daily trains operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Anuradhapura. Typically, the first train departs at 9.40 a.m. and the last at 8.30 p.m. The journey takes approximately four to five hours, depending on the number of stops made by the particular service.

Colombo to Anuradhapura By Car or Van

Anuradhapura can be accessed from Colombo via several routes, with the two primary corridors running through Puttalam and Kurunegala. The Puttalam route passes the scenic Wilpattu area. From Kurunegala, there are two main approaches: the more commonly used route via Dambulla and an alternative route via Galgamuwa. Among all options, the Kurunegala–Dambulla route (Route 2) is the most frequently used.

Route 01 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route 02 from Colombo to Anuradhapura
Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Negombo – Chilaw – Puttalam Distance from Colombo: 210 km Travel time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route 03 from Colombo to Anuradhapura	Route from Kandy to Anuradhapura
Through : Katunayake Expressway – Narammala – Wariyapola – Padeniya – Thambuthegama Distance from Colombo: 203 km Travel Time: 4.30-5.00 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps	Through: Katugastota – Matale – Dambulla Distance from Colombo: 136 km Travel Time: 3.5 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps