Adjacent to the Thuparamaya temple is a smaller stupa known as "Padhalanchana Sthupaya", "Shila Chethiya", or "Dheega Stupaya," originally built by King Lajjathissa (119 BC - 109 BC), the son of King Saddhathissa.
This stupa was constructed to enshrine the footprint of Gautama Buddha. According to historical chronicles, the Buddha left his footprint at this site as he ascended into the air to return to India following his third visit to Sri Lanka.
