The purpose of this octagonal stone column has not yet been fully clarified. There are several theories pertaining to its significance. In its broken state it reaches a height of about 20 feet, 4 inches. The column is said to have been erected by King Devānampiya Tissa to indicate the place where the future Ruvanveliseya would be built. A similar pillar is found at Kirinda. It has also been suggested that it is a later development of a "sila yupa," a sacrificial stone pillar used in rituals based on Hinduism. The protective roof and pillars are of modern construction.
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