The grand 8-meter tall stone door frame, stone reliquary, and lotus pedestal suggest that the shrine once housed a colossal standing image of the Buddha. The sanctum, paved with stone slabs, is encircled by a circumambulatory path. In front of the sanctum lies a vestibule and an entresol, indicating a complex and reverential design.
Evidence suggests that both the reliquary and the lotus pedestal were destroyed by fire, marking a significant historical event. Additionally, there are indications that two subsidiary image houses once flanked this shrine, contributing to its architectural and religious significance.
This elaborate structure exemplifies the architectural advancements and stylistic elements of its period, highlighting its role in the spiritual and cultural life of the Anuradhapura civilization.
