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The Tämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka: Elevated Image-Houses in Buddhist Architecture
The Ṭämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka focus on one distinctive Buddhist architectural practice from pre-modern Sri Lanka – the construction of Buddha image houses on elevated wooden platforms supported by stone pillars. As a center of Buddhism, Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of erecting Buddha image houses, the origin of which dates to the fifth century. Yet, the Ṭämpiṭavihāras tradition only existed from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries. The Ṭämpiṭavihāras is an exceptional type of image house, not only for its specific timeframe and unique construction technology but also for its complex architectural conception of the Buddhist worldview and soteriology. This book examines the significant aspects of Ṭämpiṭavihāras architecture and documents some of the distinctive examples of Ṭämpiṭavihāras with an analysis of their architectural design and symbolic content.
Author/Editor
Kapila D. Silva, Dhammika P. Chandrasekara, Amos Rapoport
Publisher
Anthem Press
ISBN
9781785277498
Publication date
1 Jan 2021 – 31 Dec 2021
Specialisation
Social Sciences
Theme
Archaeology
Society
Religion
Art and Culture
History
Region
Sri Lanka