Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, Thuparama stupa. The Thuparama stupa was originally the first Buddhist stupa constructed by King Devanam Piyathissa. Many devoted monachs of Anuradhapura period, improved the temple with precious fittings and additional contructions. During the 10th century, Chola invaders completely luted the temple. King Parakramabahu recontructed the stupa at a later date. The stupa is surrounded by pillars that would have once carried a roof.Stupa - a Buddhist structure of Indian invention in the form of a mound or dome, built to house relics of the Buddha.