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The Ṭämpiṭavihāras of Sri Lanka focuses 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 centre of Buddhism, Sri Lanka has a rich tradition of erecting Buddha image-houses, the origin of which dates to the fifth century. Yet, the ṭämpiṭavihāra tradition only existed from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries. The ṭämpiṭavihāra 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 ṭämpiṭavihāra architecture and documents some of the distinctive examples of ṭämpiṭavihāra with an analysis of their architectural design and symbolic content.
‘This book, a product of 20-years of journey to experience and reveal the spirit of place and distinctiveness of built structure, is a landmark presenting the continuity of history since late medieval period, as illustrated by the distinct shrines built on stone pillars, called ṭämpiṭavihāra. I am sure this will open new avenues for further research.’ — Prof. Rana P.B. Singh, President- Asian Cultural Landscape Association
Illustrations; Acknowledgements; Foreword by Amos Rapoport; 1 Introduction; Part I The Ṭämpiṭavihāra Tradition; Chapter 1 The Tradition of Buddha Image-Houses in Sri Lanka; Chapter 2 The Ṭämpiṭavihāra Design; Chapter 3 The Evolution of Ṭämpiṭavihāras and Their Variations; Conclusion; Part II Illustrations of Selected Ṭämpiṭavihāras; Introduction; Central Province; North Central Province; North Western (Vayamba) Province; Sabaragamuva Province; Southern Province; Ūva Province; Western Province; Bibliography; Appendix: A List of Ṭämpiṭavihāras in Sri Lanka; Index.