Ruvanvalisaya (Maha Thupa/Great Stupa) built by Dutugemunu (one of Sri Lanka's 200 kings within a millennia) to proclaim his victory over his rival, Elara. It is believed to house the remains of Buddha and is the most revered in Anaradhapura. He died before it was completed. Despite attaining control back from Indian invaders for a short time, the island fell to South Indian invaders after his death.
The dagoba is 'supported' by painted elephants. Buddhist animals represent the reincarnation cycles, so there is a significance that these elephants hold up the earth (dagoba). Elephants sybolise birth, horse (old age), lion (illness) and bull (death and decay --which was omitted from later Buddhist architecture and moonstones). Moonstones, at the foot of every temples' steps, have these hierarchy of animals, with elephants on the outermost ring. Vines or snakes, also carved into moonstones, represent desire and attachment to material things in life. Geese signify purity and wisdom. A lotus is usually at the centre of the moonstone, symbolising Buddha, attainment of nirvana and freedom from other reincarnation cycles.
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