Stupa No 3

Lies adjacent to the great Stupa, Stupa no. 3 is also referred as the most striking edifice of Buddhist as well as Mauryan arts. In design, stupa number one and three are akin to each other. All the three stupas bears some special signs of royal importance and the hemispherical dome of this one carries an umbrella which is considered as very regal and highly religious. Polished stones of this umbrella give it an elegant appeal.

The innermost chamber of this stupa holds the remnants of Sariputta and Mahamogallena, two earliest disciples of Sri Buddha. It is believed that its magnificent gate way is built in the first century. The coffer also contains five precious jewels - garnet, pearl, crystal, lapis and amethyst. This stupa was taken to England in 1853, brought back in 1953 and is displayed in modern Vihara.