and the Hill Temple of Mehentélé. 475 
called Jata-wdna-rdma, as retaining most of its original form,* and as best 
calculated to convey an idea, both of the character of these stupendous works 
and of the scenery by which they are surrounded. It is situated in the 
midst of jungle, through which a winding footpath, little frequented, is the 
only approach, and is so removed from the haunts of man as to impress one 
with a feeling of solitude not unmixed with awe. Jédta-wdna-rama is said to 
have been built by king Mand Sinua: it is much overgrown, but is sur- 
mounted by a building of brick, which is still in such a state as to show that 
it was beautifully finished. The platform is raised several feet, and is very 
extensive, but, like the dagoda itself, much overgrown with underwood. On 
each side of the steps to the platform are rude pillars of gneiss, and two slabs 
of granite, on each of which is a grotesque human figure, of which I made 
outlines.t Whilst thus employed, the priest informed me that I must not 
point the finger at one of them or I should get a fever. The other he de- 
scribed as a good spirit, or rather, a jolly fellow. This dagoba we were told 
is a hundred and eighty cubits in height, but this isan exaggeration: it is 
certainly the most lofty, and probably a hundred and sixty cubits, as stated 
in the Mahdvansi.t That which retains least traces of its original form is 
called Mere Avaté. It is merely a conical mound of earth of great height, 
and overgrown with coarse grass. Its platform is nearly on a level with the 
ground, consisting of blocks of granite beautifully fitted, and a portion 
of it is very perfect. A rough building in front, which is partly frame, 
partly brick, leads to an altar. In front of this building, to the right and 
left of the steps, are slabs of granite, having upon them rude and grotesque 
representations of a man, with something like a foolscap on his head, and 
apparently dancing in high glee. Its height was said to be fifty cubits ; but 
in the Mahdvansi, the height is stated as being eighty cubits, or a hundred 
and eighty-six feet, which I should think nearer the truth. 
Bayagiri Vihdara§ is said to have been built by king BAATEA. It is much 
overgrown with underwood, but the brick-work is occasionally apparent. It 
is surmounted by the remains of a brick building, which is finished with a 
* See Plate, No. 19. + See Plate, No. 17. 
t Ina survey recently made by Lieutenant Skinner, it is ascertained to be two hundred and 
sixty-nine feet in height. 
§ Abhaydgiri dagoba, deprived of its spire and pinnacle, is made by Lieutenant Skinner two 
hundred and thirty feet in height. 
Vou. III. 3 Q 
