The mondop housing the Buddha footprint
The footprint is housed in a very ornate mondop on top of a small hill. A triple staircase flanked by Naga balustrades leads to the top. At the bottom of the stairs are bronze five headed Naga snakes, the mythological serpent’s body extending over the balustrades towards the platform. The three part staircase is said to represent the three ladders used to descend from the Trayastrimsa Heaven; a ladder of jewels used by the Buddha, a ladder of gold used by Indra and a ladder of silver used by Brahma.
The mondop is set on a marble platform. The square structure surrounded by pillars has a seven tiered roof laid with green ceramic tiles, its doors inlaid with intricate mother of pearl decoration.