Workers are currently welding together the 13 rings which form the base of the final piece of the Stupa.

The 13 rings represent the final 13 stages of the path to Buddhahood.

They will be topped with lotus petals, a golden umbrella and a golden finial, which will sit at the very top – about 48 metres above the ground.

Beneath the rings will be more lotus petals and a Harmika, described as the “most important space” and will contain sacred ritual items.

Alyce Crosbie, of the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, said the work was meticulous.

“As much work will be done to this last 20 metres while on the ground which is why we don’t expect it to be craned on top until mid-2019,” she said.

“At the moment, the building team are constructing the 13 rings. The large steel pieces are craned into place and then welded together.”

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