Polonnaruwa

                                          " polonnaruwa"

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader.

 Hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign - systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama.

 It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side. It also encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a moat against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.

With the exception of his immediate successor, Nissankamalla I, all other monarchs of Polonnaruwa were slightly weak-willed and rather prone to picking fights within their own court.While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real "Hero of Polonnaruwa" of the history books is actually Parakramabahu I.

 It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. Trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted and each was to be used toward the development of the land.


They also went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian kingdoms until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage. This prompted an invasion by the Aryacakravarti dynasty King Kalinga Magha in 1214, who founded the Jaffna kingdom  Local power passed into the hands of a Pandyan dynasty king following the Jaffna kingdom invasion of Lanka in 1284, who moved their capital to Dambadeniya.


 Polonnaruwa was also called Jananathamangalam during this brief period under the Pandya.

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century.Po?onnaruwa (Sinhalese Po?onnaruwa or Pu?attipura, Tamil Pola??a?uvai or Pu?atti nakaram) is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Currently the new Polonnaruwa is under going a major development project known as the "Awakening of Polonnaruwa" under the concept of President Maithripala Sirisena. It envisions the development of all sectors in Polonnaruwa including roads, electricity, agriculture, education, health and environment will be developed comprehensively.

The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.

• Pothugal viharaya
• Pabalu viharaya
• Rankoth viharaya
• Gal viharaya
• Thivanka image house
• Kiri viharaya
• Menik viharaya
• Lankathilaka                                                                             

                                  pothugal viharaya

pothugal viharaya

Regarded by scholars and historians as the oldest library complex of Sri Lanka, the Pothgul Viharaya, despite not attaining massive levels of popularity similar to other nearby tourist attractions, harbours a myriad of cultural significance. The term “pothgul” is explained as a location or establishment to store books and the name “Pothgul Viharaya” can be described as a library and monastic complex. Built by King Parakramabahu the Great, who reigned in ancient Sri Lanka from 1153 to 1185 AD, the Pothgul Viharaya is regarded as the oldest library complex of the nation. Soon after its construction, it was renovated by Queen Chandrawathi, who was a consort of King Parakarmabahu.Architecture and Structure

That this stony statue was created by king parakkaramabahu and later modified his wife prances chandravathi .it is said that structure was introduced by Cambodian engineering method and is said this type of statue is not to be seen anywhere in sri lanka.

This is the oldest library complex found in Sri Lanaka. Pothgul means for a place to store books. This viharaya was build by king Parakamabahu the Great (1153-1185) . This was renovated by Queen Chandrawathi. a consort of King Parakarmabahu. 

Pothgul Viharaya is a Gedige type structure, build in the middle of the square shape stage. The interesting point in this building is the circular structure in the middle, seems the main library, made out of brick. The circular shape roof even made out of bricks it seems. There are remaining of four small stupas at the four corners of the floor. Out of it there are remaining of the several buildings which were used as awasa ( residential cells where Bikkus live). 

This brick building is built on 4 stages. On the 3rd stage there are 9 buildings which are thought to be places where the priests lived. On the very top floor there is a circular building with a dome shaped roof.

The roof is no more in the building. But on the walls it is still possible to see the fragments of paintings which have survived under the forces of nature for over 800 years.

Pothgul Vehera of the ancient Polonnaruwa Kingdom is located some distance from the statue and thought to be a Buddhist library complex and a place where the Buddhist writings were studied and resided. The original name of this Aramaic complex is not known.

The architecture and structure of the Pothgul Viharaya is interesting and it comprises of four terraces. This entire complex is regarded as the monastic complex and the upper two terraces are the areas in which the builidings that can be witnessed today are seen. The terrace pertaining to the third level includes the remnants of a total of nine ancient buildings and these are considered to be ancient residential halls for the monks that inhabited the monastery. The complex is of the “Gedige” type, a well-observed architectural feature. The primary building is on a square-shaped stage.

A total of three entrances exist that allow access to the Pothgul Viharaya complex and these are situated in various sides of the site. Visitors to the complex can easily spot the circular building at the centre of the complex and this is regarded as the primary library. The Mandala Mandira or the Circular Mansion of King Parakramabahu the Great is also considered to be found in the complex. These structures are built by brick and there are several such ancient buildings. Furthermore, it should be mentioned that this amazing library complex also includes the remnants of four small ancient stupas exist at its four corners.

Surroundings

The Pothgul Viharaya is located in Polonnaruwa, which was the medieval ancient capital kingdom of Sri Lanka. One could easily find the location of Pothgul Viharaya as it is situated near the popular Parakrama Samudraya, one of the largest ancient reservoirs of the country. Both of these historic structures, the Pothgul Viharaya and the Parakrama Samudraya, was constructed by King Parakramabahu the first. Other tourist attractions are found nearby the location of the Pothgul Viharaya and these include several national parks such as the Wasgamuwa National Park, Flood Plains National Park, Angammedilla National Park, as well as tanks, which have contributed immensely to the agricultural communities that have resided in the vicinity for centuries. These tanks include the famous Parakrama Samudraya, Minneriya tank, Giritale tank, as well as the Kaudulla tank. Elephants, deer, and hundreds of attractive species of birds can be witnessed in these national parks that surround the ancient and remarkable Pothgul Viharaya.

                                      Pabalu viharaya

The origin of this unusually shaped stupa is unknown but it is believed to been built by one of the king Parakramabahu’s ( 1153-1186 ) consorts, queen Rupawathi.

In the chronicles it is mentioned the queen Rupawathi of Maha Parakramabahu had built a stupa in the inner city. As there is no other stupa in the inner city, archaeologists name this Pabalu Viharaya as one of her creations. But still its real name had not been identified. As in the excavations, they had come across many beads, it was named as Pabalu Vehera.

pabalu viharaya

The original name of this stupa is not known. The current name “Pabalu” (meaning beads) was derived from the fact that a large number of small glass beads being found during the excavation of the area around the stupa. Top part of the stupa has been destroyed by invaders and centre of the stupa also has been destroyed probably by treasure hunters in the recent times.

Generally Stupa’s have only 4 image houses around it. But there are nine image houses around the stupa. These contain sitting images in some and standing images in others. One houses a “Sri Pathla” (the impression of the foot) of Buddha. Another one contains a Buddha statue in the reclining position. It is thought these image houses have been built at different time periods by different people. In addition there is a stairway to reach the first level of the stupa.

                                  Rankoth viharaya

Rankoth Vehera is a stupa located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. The stupa was built by Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa, who ruled the country from 1187 to 1196. The Rankoth Vehera has been built according to the tradition of the stupas of the Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and bears a close resemblance to Ruwanwelisaya. In fact, a stone inscription situated close to the stupa even identifies it by the name "Ruwanweli".

rankoth viharaya

This is 180 feet high and this is the tallest stupa build on Polonnaruwa period. Four "Vahalkada"s are around this Stupa and there are remaining of the shrine rooms located around this stupa premises. You can see the remaining of the sangawasa ( Where the bikkus lived) towards the north and south sides of the stupa. The Stupa and the shrine rooms are located in square stage, surrounded by a brick wall.

Rankoth Vehera (Golden Pinnacle Dagoba)was constructed by the king Nishanka Malla(1187  to 1196). According to some of the historical facts this was constructed long before and the king Nissanka Malla did a renovation only. This stupa was constructed with in same shape as the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura. Even according to the some historical facts, this was known as same name in those days. 

Thus, the name Rankoth Vehera can be roughly translated to English as "Gold Pinnacled Stupa".Along with the Kiri Vehera, it is one of the most revered stupas in Polonnaruwa.

 However, it has later come to be known by the currently used name, Rankoth Vehera.In Sinhalese, ran means gold, kotha is the name given to the pinnacle of a stupa, and vehera means stupa or temple.

The stupa has four large Vahalkadas, a structure used for offering flowers and also to support the weight of a stupa. These are also made of brick. The stupa is located in the center of a large square terrace, which is also surrounded by a brick wall. The terrace has four entrances oriented to the four cardinal points, with sand paths leading to them. A stone inscription near one of the entrances mention that King Nissanka Malla observed and supervised the construction of the stupa from there. It is also mentioned that he worshiped the stupa from a small platform, which is located in a corner of the terrace.

Rankoth Vehera is structure made entirely of brick, and has a base diameter of 550 feet 170 m  and a height of 108 feet 33 m. However, the original shape of the stupa, particularly its upper portion, has been changed during renovation work carried out by later rulers and it is estimated that the original height of Rankoth Vehera may have been almost 200 feet61 m.Despite this, it remains the largest stupa in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the fourth largest stupa in the country.

                                      Gal viharaya

The Gal Vihara also known as Gal Viharaya and originally as the Uttararama, is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure and a reclining figure. These are considered to be some of the best examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpting and carving arts, and have made the Gal Vihara the most visited monument at Polonnaruwa.

Gal Viharaya Standing Buddha Statue

 The name Uththararama means the temple by the north side. This was done by king Parakamabahu (year 1153 -1186) in Polonnaruwa Kingdom time.

This has two seating Buddha statues, one Standing statue and one statues in a Parinirvana Manchakaya. All the statues were done from a single huge granite rock.

The images of Uttararama follow a different style from the images of the previous Anuradhapura period, and show some significant differences. The identity of the standing image is subject to a certain amount of dispute among historians and archaeologists, some of whom argue that it depicts the monk Ananda rather than the Buddha. Each of the images have been carved in a way that uses a maximum possible area of the rock, and their heights seem to have been decided based on the height of the rock itself. Each statue appears to have had its own image house, as indicated by the remains of brick walls at the site. The Uttararama was where Parakramabahu I held a congregation of monks to purify the Buddhist priesthood, and later drew up a code of conduct for them. This code of conduct has been recorded in an inscription on the same rock face containing the images of the Buddha.

The main feature of Gal Vihara is the four images of the Buddha that have been carved on a single, large granite rock face, considered to be among the best examples of the rock carving and sculpting arts of the ancient Sinhalese. The rock has been cut almost 15 feet 4.6 m deep to create a rock face to accommodate the statues, and is the only example in the country where a natural rock has been excavated to this extent for such a purpose. The images position the temple alongside some of the most significant monuments which survive from the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka, and make it the most celebrated and visited temple in Polonnaruwa. Three of the images are quite large; the smallest of them is more than 15 feet 4.6 m tall, and the largest is more than 46 feet 14 m long. However, the fourth image is just over 4 feet 1.2 m and located inside an artificial cavern carved into the rock. A seated image is on the left side of the rock, and to the right is a cavern and another seated image. Further to the right are a standing image, and then a reclining image. Unlike other statues of the same period (such as the one found in the Lankathilaka image house), they are all well preserved, and therefore provide a good indication about less well-preserved examples. The size of each image seems to have been decided based on the height of the rock at that point, so that the maximum possible area could be used for it. According to the archaeologist Senarath Paranavithana, the images were evidently coated in gold in their early years. The style of the images differs somewhat from that of statues from the earlier Anuradhapura period. The most notable changes are the broader forehead in the Gal Vihara images. The robe is carved with two parallel lines, rather than the single line seen in the Anuradhapura period, influenced by the Amaravati school of art.

Main Samadhi Buddha statue

The large seated image is 15 feet 2.5 inches 4.636 m tall, and depicts the dhyana mudra. The seat was carved in the shape of a lotus flower, its base decorated with carvings of flowers and lions. The statue sits on a carved throne, decorated with makara images, with four small images of the Buddha identical to the larger image carved inside small chambers. This is an unusual feature in ancient Sinhalese sculpture, and is presumably the result of Mahayana influence.

A small statue only 4 feet 7 inches 1.40 m in height,but similar in appearance to its larger neighbour, is located inside the artificial cave named the Vidyhadhara Guha. The cave was created by carving 4.5 feet 1.4 m into the rock, leaving four square shafted stone columns at the sides of the 26-foot 7.9 m wide and 12-foot-9-inch 3.89 m high opening. The base of the lotus shaped seat of the Buddha image here is also decorated with designs of lions. A throne and a parasol are carved behind it, more elaborate in design than the larger image. A prabhamandala, or halo, is carved behind the head of the statue, which rests between two four-armed deities.  The walls of the cave were once decorated with frescoes, traces of which remain in the two corners at the back of the cave.

The standing image is the focus of much discussion among historians and archaeologists, since there is a general belief that it is not a statue of the Buddha. The image is 22 feet 9 inches 6.93 m tall, and stands on a low pedestal shaped like a lotus. It leans back in a relaxed manner, its arms folded across its chest. The statue's face carries a sorrowful expression and the reclining image—which depicts the Buddha's parinirvana—lies next to it, which has led some to believe that it is the monk Ānanda, who is lamenting the Buddha's demise at his deathbed. The remains of the walls, however, indicate that the two images were once in separate chambers, rather than next to each other. Paranavithana believes that the statue is of the Buddha, which depicts the para dukkha dukkhitha mudra or "sorrow for the sorrow of others". However, this is a rarely used gesture in Sinhalese sculpture, and is seen at only a few locations in the country. Another possibility is that the image shows the Buddha during his second week after enlightenment, which he spent gazing at the Bodhi Tree in gratitude for providing him shelter. The image is not mentioned in the Chulavamsa, which only mentions the other three. While this may be an indication that it is not an image of the Buddha, it is also possible that it may have been made at an earlier period than the others.

This standing Buddha statue different to other standing Buddha statues found in other parts of Sri Lanka. The arms are folded in this statue and eyes are also closed. 

There were some belief that this is a statue of Ananda Thero. The sorrow pose is due to the Buddha's Parinirwana. But since this was done on a Lotus Stage, this is really a statue of Load Buddha. According to archaeologists, this statue was not by king Parakramabagu and completed in later history.

Parinirvanaya

This granite statue done according tope the Load Buddha's Parinirvana pose. Parinirvana is not the death, butits a entering to Nibbana. This statue is 14 meters long.

This statue is located in a cave ( man made) call Vidyadara Guhawa. There are some decorations done on the background wall. According to the archilogical facts, this had some frescos also, still you can see some faded images. 

At 46 feet 4 inches 14.12 m in length, the reclining image is the largest statue in Gal Vihara, and also one of the largest sculptures in Southeast Asia. It depicts the parinirvana of the Buddha, who is lying on his right side with the right arm supporting the head on a bolster, while the left arm lies along the body and thigh.

 The palm of the right hand and the soles of the feet have a single lotus flower carved on them. Charles Godakumbure, a former Commissioner of the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka, has stated that the bolster upon which the Buddha rests his head has been so well carved that it looks like a cotton stuffed pillow rather than one carved from rock. The upper foot—the left foot of the image—is slightly withdrawn to indicate that the image depicts that the Buddha has attained parinirvana, and is not merely lying down. Unlike the other images, the reclining image does not have a decorated pedestal, and lies on levelled bare rock. On the wall behind the image, several sockets have been carved into the rock, as well as the remains of two stone columns, suggesting that its now missing image house had a wooden roof.

                               Thivanka image house

Thivanka Pilimage had been built by King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) as part of the Jethavanarama Complex. Since the large image of Buddha has been curved in 3 places, this has been given the name “Thivanka” which literally means three curves. As most other structures of this era,  this is too built with bricks including the statue.

The Buddha statue at the Thivanka Pilimage is about 8 meters in height but today the part of the statue above the head has been destroyed. The statue as at today is 6.6 metres tall. The building is 133 feet long and 67.6” feet wide. The walls are 7-12 feet thick making the internal size of the building much smaller.This image house belongs to the vaulted type (gedige) just as lankathilaka and thuparama.

A fragment of the brick vaulted roof is still lying to the south of the shrine. The vimanas with figures of deities and the dwarf figures in various postures on the exterior walls admirable works of decorative art.

The inside walls of the buildings has been decorated with frescoes showing the Jataka Stories (prior births of Buddha before enlightenment) although most of the masonry has been destroyed, the colorful drawings can be still seen on the areas where masonry is intact. The entrance to the building consists of two guard stones and two “Korawak Gala”

Thivanka Image House is the sole surviving example of an ancient building that retains appreciable traces of wall paintings in their original form. The art of Polonnaruwa is art of the best quality, classic in its sense and magnificent in its form.


The outer restoration of the this image house has been carried out at a snail pace for the last 15 years and has been covered with shuttering though out the this period.

                                       Kiri viharaya

kiri viharaya

This large stupa known as the Kiri Vehera of Polonnaruwa, lying north of Lankathilaka Pilima Ge is said to be built by a queen of king Parakramabahu" 1153-1186" called “Subadra”.Kiri ('White') Vihara is a large dagoba which has survived seven centuries of abandonment to the jungle between the collapse of the Polonnaruwa kingdom and its rediscovery in the 19th century. It is the best preserved of the island's unrestored dagobas. The original name of this has been “Rupavathi Stupa” and this too is a part of Ãlahana Privena and stands 80 feet in height today.

This stupa is also the second biggest stupa in Polonnaruwa today. Also it is the only stupa to survive the 900 years of forces of nature and still is in the original condition.

Like other dagobas, Kiri Vihara is a domed structure, which would have been a stark white colour (in fact, its current name means “milk white shrine”).

There are many restored smaller stupas around Kiri Vehera. These have been identified as burial chambers of high priests and royals. Many of these including Kiri Vehera stupa has been attacked by treasure hunters and their valuables looted.

                                      Menik vehera


during the eight century. The exact time period in which it was established is not known but scholars and researchers generally hold the view that it was built during the eighth century  or later centuries. Due to this, the Menik Vehera is considered to be one of the oldest monastic complexes as well as stupas in Polonnaruwa. The actual name or the original term by which this site was known is still a mystery but it is referred to as the Menik Vehera today. Several researches and excavations were carried out on this site and these have revealed further information on this monastic site. An ancient hospital, which is in ruins today, as well as ancient residential structures for bhikkus can be witnessed here Structure and Buildings

menik vehera

Menik Vihera Image House Ruined
 Rankoth Stupa
 Carved Pillar of Nissankalathamandapa
 Vatadage Buddha Statue
The creator of this as well as the ancient name too not known. As the small Dageba takes the shape of a gem it had been named so. In the vihara complex stupa, Bodhigara, Image House, Monastery are available. Because of the valuable stone threshold and the broad walls the archaeologists think that there would have been a roof for the safety of the stupa.


The stupa of the Menik Vehera has been constructed on a high platform and an elegant flight of stone steps lead the way to the stupa. Brick walls enclose this platform and two guard stones can also be witnessed at the flight of steps. The Menik Vehera complex also includes a couple of ancient image houses where statues and images were stored. Buddha images as well as a rock carving were discovered within these image houses. An elephant is depicted at the two guard stones that are situated at the entrance to the Menik Vehera.
This rather small Stupa is built on a unusually high platform with stone steps leading to the top of it.

                                                   Lanka thilaka viharaya

Lankathila Viharaya is a Gedige type large image house build by king Parakramabahu the Great  1153- 1186. The specialty in this structure is the two pylons at the entrance and the giant Buddha statue in side. This statue is 42 feet in height and building walls are 53 feet high. 

The structure was done with bricks and there were two floors.The width of a step is only about 4 inches and each is about one feet tall. The stairways start from the Buddha Statue end and goes up towards the entrance end. This unique design is used so that the user find it impossible to climb these stairs the normal may we are used to. The only practical way to climb these stairs are sideways with your back to the walls. You can see the remaining of stares, which ware used to climb the upper floor. According to the historical reports and pictures in early 20th century by Mr. H.C.P Bell, the head the Buddha statue was there at that time, but you can't see it now.

This stupa house is also a fine example of a Gedi-Ge style building. The unique feature of this is vault type buildings are the roofs which are made primarily out bricks in a semi-spherical fashion or as an arch. Unfortunately the roof this building has been destroyed long time ago.

You can see some evidence that there were some paintings in the interior . There are some sculptures out side with some south Indian influence. The The exterior wall designs pretend that this has five floors, and the carvings of gods meant that this is divine place.

Lankathilaka Viharaya went on some renovation process during the Dabadeniya(13th century) kingdom time by king Vijaya Bahu the fourth 1270-1272. 

The Lankathilaka Image house is unique in another aspect which is unknown to many. This image house is known as the only location in the country that a Nagini image can be found in a balustrade.

The entrance of all ancient Buddhist temples are generally adorned by a moonstone, two guard stones and a pair of balustrades on the sides of the steps. The guard-stones generally depict an image of Naga with Seven Hoods. Rarely can you see the female from of Naga, the Nagini on a guardstone or anywhere else. The nagini carving on this temple is on the inner side of the left balustrade as you enter. Her head is framed by the same number of hoods as the naga on the opposite side indicating the naga and nagini were both considered equally important functionally in their role as guardian.