Polonnaruwa
History along with a homely experience!
History along with a homely experience!
Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the island’s most significant historical and cultural destinations. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, royal palaces, temples, monasteries, and other religious and secular structures. It is Sri Lanka’s second oldest kingdom, thus boasting a rich heritage that continues to be visited by thousands of tourists. It is located 2 hours away from Sigiriya, around 4 hours from Kandy and is part of the cultural triangle of Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
The town has two sections – Polonnaruwa, New Town, and the Old Site with ancient remains and monarchical structures. It has numerous ruins dating back to 800 years comprising of tombs, temples, statues and stupas. One of the most iconic landmarks in Polonnaruwa is the Royal Palace complex, which once served as the residence of the ruling monarchs. Although now in ruins, the palace complex offers insight into the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Sri Lankan architecture. Another highlight is the Gal Vihara, a group of four colossal statues of the Buddha carved into a single granite rock face.
Polonnaruwa is also home to numerous ancient temples and monasteries, including the Lankathilaka Temple, with its towering brick walls and intricately carved entrance, and the Rankoth Vehera, a stupa adorned with elaborate carvings and surrounded by a tranquil courtyard.
Exploring the ruins of Polonnaruwa is like stepping back in time, with each structure telling a story of the city’s illustrious past and the achievements of its rulers. In addition to its archaeological significance, Polonnaruwa is surrounded by natural beauty, with lush greenery, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife adding to the charm of the area.
History – Polonnaruwa was the capital of the Cholas and the Sinhalese kingdoms. The Cholas shifted the capital from Anuradhapura to this princely state as they believed it offered more protection against attacks. Later it was fully conquered and taken by the Sinhalese, and during this time it flourished in trade and commerce. Buddhism garnered Sri Lanka during the rule of King Nissanka Malla who inscribed most of the stone architecture.
Located near the entrance of the Ancient City, The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Museum offers visitors a captivating journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From intricately carved stone sculptures to delicate pottery fragments, the artifacts on display offer a glimpse into the daily lives, religious beliefs, and artistic achievements of the people who inhabited the city centuries ago.
In addition to sculptures, the museum houses a wide range of artifacts, including coins, jewelry, tools, and household items. Interactive displays, informative panels, and multimedia presentations help contextualize the artifacts and bring the history of the city to life for visitors of all ages. The museum also features exhibits on the archaeological excavation and conservation efforts undertaken in Polonnaruwa, highlighting the ongoing research and preservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding the city’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Polonnaruwa is an ancient city, which constitutes, apart from the natural ruined sites, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. The city has rooms full of excavated artifacts, forming Polonnaruwa’s archaeological museum. The museum was established in the Public Services Sports Club Hall at Polonnaruwa in 1962 and depicted scenes from 1012 A.D. During this period, the region was ruled by the Chola dynasty, which had some of the mightiest rulers. One of the most diligent rulers was King Parakramabahu I, who selflessly supervised the construction of Polonnaruwa. The museum looks like a small, simple hut from outside, but consists of a variety of informative visuals and artefacts on the inside.
History – The museum was established in the Public Services Sports Club Hall at Polonnaruwa in 1962 and depicted scenes from 1012 A.D. During this period, the Chola dynasty ruled the region. The museum was built to commemorate the buildings of the medieval era and provide information to the visitors
Gal Vihara is a rock temple of Buddha which is in the north of Sri Lanka in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa. It was initially known as Uttara Rama. It has four rock statues, each portraying different figures of Buddha. The first one is where Buddha is seated on a lotus; the second one is also a seated figure but smaller in size; the third one is a standing figure, and the last one is a reclining figure. The Buddha rock sculptures at the Gal Vihare.
Parakramabahu is known to be its founder and completed the monument in the 12th century. There have been some controversies regarding the standing figure of Buddha with historians claiming that it is a figure of Ananda and not Buddha. The Gal Vihara is the most prominent of all hundred temples that were built throughout Sri Lanka by Parakramabahu. That three caves built here are namely Vijjadhara Guha (cave of the spirits of knowledge), the Nipanna Patima Guha (cave of the sleeping statue) and the Nissina Patima Lena (cave of the seated statue). The figures were considered painted gold, but hunters melted and stole it. The code of conduct is stringent here, and one can’t take a picture of Buddha with your back towards the idol.
History – Gal Vihara was built during the time of king Parakramabahu somewhere between 1153-1186. Till date, this monument is preserved in its original form and thereby maintains its charm. There are four caves’ shrines known as the cave of Vijjadhara, excavated caves, the cave of standing image and cave of reclining image. One can find inscription between excavated cave and cave of standing image. Years ago, the brick walls of these four caves collapsed, but you can still see evidence on separated foundations of each of them from the others.
Out of all the statues, the standing Buddha is said to be the best. It is 7m tall. Historians claim that the unusual posture and sorrow on the face of Buddha is a face that he made when his master Ananda passed away. This act was the first stage towards achieving nirvana.
Parakrama Samudra is a water reservoir which consists of five different lakes namely Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks. It is also known as King Parakrama’s Sea and is in Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. Topa Wewa is the oldest reservoir here which was built around 386 AD. The middle section has Eramudu Wewa and below you have Dubutula Wewa. The lakes here are separated by a smaller dam to reduce the pressure.
Parakrama Samudra (or the Sea of King Parakrama) is a shallow reservoir, consisting of five separate pools (Thopa, Dumbutulu, Erabadu, Boo, Katu tanks) connected by narrow channels in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It has a storage area of more than 5,000 acres for irrigation of 18,000 acres. It is one of the most significant ancient Rainwater Reservoir of the island. In the rainy season, the rainwater reservoir is in its full splendor.
It is an essential site for the Sri Lankan endemic species. Because of the 2004 Tsunami effects, many aquatic lives suffered damage, including numerous reefs due to which a step was taken by the government to protect a variety of species of birds and marine beings. This human-made lake is not only a big project that provides a method of irrigation but also serves as a home to fish and aquatic vegetation. It is a beautiful site, which gives you a burst of fresh air as you stand by it. The greenery that surrounds it adds to its beauty. You can also visit the nearby museum and hire bicycles for sightseeing.
History – Rainfall in Sri Lanka is irregular and can have a devastating effect on those who make a living from agriculture. Parakrama Samudra in Sri Lanka was one such solution to the problem of lack of water. To alleviate this problem Parakrama Samudra was built in Polonnaruwa by King Parakramabahu, the first who ruled there from 1153 AD to 1153 AD. The first reservoir Thopa Wewa already existed in King Parakramabahu’s time having been built in 386 AD. The king had the other large pools included, and the entire system expanded.
Apart from providing irrigation water to nearby areas, Parakram Samudra provides eye-catching sunset view. Locals and tourists alike visit this site to grab the very first sight of the sunrise and sunsets. There are many animals and birds that you can witness while you are here. It is an excellent place for relaxation and an even better method for rejuvenation. The best thing to catch here is evening time where a fisherman catches fish and return home with a view of the sunset
Constructed under the reign of King Maha Parakram Bahu between the years 1153 and 1186, the striking Royal Palace stands as the emblem of grandeur in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu is a place of great historical importance, the reason why it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in the year 1982.
Historical books claim that the palace constructed in the 10th century once held seven stories along with 1000 chambers, but the ruins now have only 55 halls and three floors, which implies that the top four floors may have been constructed with wood.
Outside the citadel, one can visit the Royal Bath or Kumara Pokuna, which was designed such that it received water from the adjacent water source. Apart from the royal bath, the Council Chamber of King Parakrambahu is also an essential part of the palace premises.
A visit to this paradigm of luxury is both thrilling and chilling as to how nothing escapes the wrath of time. A visit must be for all those who appreciate the ancient architectural marvels.
History – The city of Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola Dynasty in the 10th century and then served as the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka from 1070 to 1310, Anuradhapura is the first. The city’s ancient value and the royal palace spreading over an area of 403 sq. meters makes it a significant tourist attraction in Polonnaruwa.
The circular building of Dalada Maluwa, also known as Terrace of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is a beautiful work of art and architecture of the 12th century. Dalada Maluwa was built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1164-1196AD), it was later enhanced and decorated by King Nissanka Malla (1198-1206). It was the intended house for the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha; however, presently, the Tooth Relic is deposited in Kandy Tooth Relic Temple.
As the capital of the Kandyan kingdom, Kandy which is 3 hours away from Dalada Maluva had become home to the relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha, and the protector of the relic was the ruler of the land. The Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth were thus placed near each other.
The existing rock arts and moonstones are serene. Dalada Maluwa was an attraction for Buddhist Vihar in the glory days and stood as an epitome of a glorious history.
An important festival and significant tourist attraction here is the Kandy Esala Perahera which is the procession from Dalada Maluwa to Kandy. Also known as The Festival of the Tooth, it is a grand event celebrated with embellished costumes. It is an annual procession held every year between July and August in honor of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha
This magnificent stupa is situated in Polonnaruwa and is the 4th largest stupa in Sri Lanka. Built by the Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) it is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions, i.e. ‘dagobas’ of the country. Rich in vibrant history and scenic beauty, this place must be on your to-visit list if you come to Sri Lanka.The stupa of Rankoth Vehera is in the centre of a large square terrace. There are four entrances to the yard with four cardinal points.
Located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, Rankoth Vehera’s design was inspired by thtraditional stupas in Anuradhapura Maha Viharaya and bears a close resemblance to Ruwanwelisaya.
According to a stone inscription found in the vicinity of the stupa, it was initially named “Ruwanweli Stupa”. However, later, it was called Rankoth Vehera and had a circumference of 200m initially.
Located in the centre of a large square terrace,it has four entrances to the yard with four cardinal points. You can take the sandy path to the stupa for a walk, the peaceful atmosphere, which is a common factor at every temple here, can relax your mind for a while.
Both local and foreign travellers visit the Rankoth Vehera daily and engage in rituals without considering their born religious background. At the same time, you can learn more about the murals and frescoes in the image house from the chief incumbent in the temple.
Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a well-preserved Vatadage in the famous Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of the ancient city of ruins, Polonnaruwa. Vatadages are typical Buddhist structures found in Sri Lanka. These are circulars, constructed using stone and brick with intricate stone carvings and a wooden roof. They were built to protect stupas. Currently, there are ten Vatadages in Sri Lanka, and the most popular one is Polonnaruwa Vatadage.
This structure is built in Buddulakara or bubble-shaped design and is the perfect example of a typical Sri Lankan Vatadage. The upper part of the structure has been destroyed; only the lower part remains. Many theories revolve around the construction of this monument, but most historians agree to the hypothesis that it was built by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The Vatadage was initially constructed to protect the tooth relic of Buddha and his ten commandments. Buddhists believe that Buddha’s left canine remained even after his cremation, and the country has preserved this relic as their prized possession. This tooth, which was the reason for the construction of Polonnaruwa Vatadage, is now placed in the Temple of Kandy.
The Vatadage protects a small stupa of 8 inches. The structure has two platforms – an upper platform and a lower one. The lower platform is 120 feet in diameter and 4 feet in height, while the top platform is 80 feet in diameter and 5 feet in height. The centre of the top platform has four Buddhist statues in dhyana mudra in sitting position. The four figures are 5 feet tall and face the four cardinal directions. This architecture makes the Vatadage a very typical one, with a charm of its own. The structure and its surroundings emit positivity and are extremely inviting for tourists
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure located in Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel is one of its kind for many reasons. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure located in Dalada Maluwa quadrangle of Polonnaruwa district in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. This architectural marvel is one of its kind for many reasons. King Nissanka Latha built Nissanka Latha Mandapaya in the 20th century. The purpose of this construction was to recite and hear Buddhist scriptures. Mandapa is a word used for sheltered pillars. In the 20th century, mandapas were built inside houses and used for recitals during after death ceremonies, which is how the structure got its name.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a raised stone platform, with many small stone pillars and eight big granite ones, a stone fence and a small stupa. The granite pillars are 8.5 feet tall and surprisingly curved at three places. The top of the pillars has a carving of a blooming lotus, while the test of the columns denotes the structure of a stem. The middle of the platform is a small stupa, which is also made of stone. The upper part of the stupa has been ruined but was identified to be made of wood.This structure is unique to Sri Lanka. No other architectural composition has been able to look like the magnificent Nissanka Latha Mandapaya. Unsurprisingly, Sri Lanka considers this site as a treasure and protects it accordingly.
History – Nissanka Latha Mandapaya was constructed by King Nissanka Latha in the 20th century, for reading and reciting piriths or religious Buddhist text and scriptures. Hence, this structure is named after him.
Architecture of Nissanka Latha Mandapaya – The structure of Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is unique. It has a raised stone platform, stone columns, a stone fence, eight granite pillars and a small stupa. The stupa is also made of stone. The upper part of the stupa, which is ruined, was made of wood
Pothgul Viharaya is an old library and monastery in the Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. The ruins of this ancient library date back to the twelfth century. The name Pothgul itself means ‘Bookstore’.
The library was as a place to store Buddhist books built with bricks, but now it is nothing but a demolished historic site. It was once part of a monastery and provide shelter to resident monks. It was thought to be a Buddhist library complex where Buddhist writings were studied. It is situated next to a beautiful lake where tourists can enjoy boating.
History – King Parakamabahu built Pothgul Viharaya in the twelfth century and was renovated by Queen Chandrawathi, a consort of King Parakarmabahu. The King used to listen to the Jataka stories of the Lord Buddha told by his teacher while sitting in the circular room.
Architecture of Pothgul Viharaya – Pothgul Viharaya is a Gedige type structure, built in the middle of the square shape stage. The main library and the roof are all made of brick, there are four small stupas at the corners of the floor, and it consists of four terraces.
The first terrace is the one that covers a larger area. The upper two patios are the ones that hold the buildings, and the third level terrace has nine regions which were for the ‘kutis’ for the monks. There are three entrances to the monastery, and the main entrance is the one in the Eastern direction. The uppermost terrace has a circular building which earlier had a circular roof which is also thought to be the ‘Mandala Mandira’ or the Circular House, built by King Parakramabahu the Great.
Kiri Vihara is a dagoba or stupa in Kataragama region in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka. These 80 feet tall, whitewashed, peaceful stupa is the second largest stupa in the town. Kiri Vihara was constructed in the 11th century AD, by King Parakramabahu’s queen, Queen Subhadra. Its original name was Rupavathi Chaitya. Later the name was changed to Kiri Vihara, which means ‘white stupa’, which is because of its limewashed coating.
The stupa is within the Alahana complex, which is a well-known training centre for monks and also encompasses a hospital with the latest surgical instruments. The complex also consists of other smaller stupas built around Kiri Vihara which stupas are considered as burial chambers for honorary men and priests. Kiri Vihara is of straightforward and essential design and is yet an architectural marvel due to which it withstood natural disasters and thefts.
Since this site is of utmost religious significance to the locals, tourists are expected to cover their shoulders and knees while visiting the ancient stupa. Clicking photographs with the back facing the statues of Lord Buddha is considered as a sign of disrespect and is thus disallowed. Walking around this site wearing shoes is not permitted. Therefore, it is recommended that tourists wear socks because the land tends to become too hot to walk barefoot.
Kiri Vihara is one of the most well-preserved ancient stupas in the country. It is amidst extensive ruins, which adds to the grave beauty of the area. This stupa attracts those who are interested in history, culture and tradition, and leaves no one disappointed.
History – The stupa was built by one of the queens of King Parakramabahu, named Subhadra, in the 11th century AD. The original name of the stupa was Rupavathi Chaitya. It was later changed to Kiri Vihara, which means white stupa.
Giritale Wewa or Giritale Tank is a reservoir in Giritale and Minneriya. Giritale Tank was one of the deepest tanks in Sri Lanka during the rule of ancient capital Polonnaruwa.
The Giritale Wewa Reservoir is not only a sightseeing venue in the area but also a historic location having a rich mythological history. The Sea of Parakrama, built by Parakramabahu I, is only a few kilometres away from the reservoir.
History – King Agbo II built the tank, and it is believed that King Parakramabahu renovated it in the twelfth century. Later, it was subjected to renovation several times in the 1900s during the colonial era.
The Architecture of Giritale Wewa – The reservoir has been made after meticulous planning as not only the rainwater but also the water that cascades down the mountain fill up the tank. It is further fed by a tributary of the Mahaweli River, revealing a very intricate network followed by the reservoir. The design includes a sharp embankment of stone that crosses the hollow at the base of the hill and reaches the level ground. This water is used up by the nearby forests.
Shiva Shrine – Shive dewale No 1 – A Hindu Temple of chaste and restrained line dedicated to God shiva. This temple dates to the later Polonnaruwa period and was probably built during a period of Indian domination in the 13th century. A few superb bronzes in mature Choler style were found at this temple, and these can be seen at the Colombo Museum.
Lankatilaka is an ancient Sinhalese temple located in between Kandy and Polonnaruwa. It is one of the most magnificent, ruined sites of the country. It was built by King Parakrabahu in the 11th century and attracted archaeologists, historians and tourists all around the year.
The site is an enormous ‘gedige’, which is a typical Buddhist temple with a corbelled roof and thick walls. The gedige is an intriguing structure, made entirely of bricks. The composition comprises two massive pillars with a height of 17 metres and a thickness of 4 metres. In between the two components is a 14-metre-high statue of Buddha, which is broken from above the shoulder. This site has two storeys, connected by an impressive staircase and the outer walls have elaborate carvings and designs which depict ancient times. The inner walls and stairway have exciting murals.
Lankatilaka, a monolithic Buddha image house has irked the minds of historians for centuries. Its architecture and ruins are interesting topics amongst archaeologists. The site, with all its glory and holy atmosphere, evidently attracts tourists from all over the world and during any given time of the year.
Architecture – The structure has two pillars of 17 metres each. The centre has a 14 metres statue of Buddha, cut from above the shoulders. The site is two-storeyed and has a circular staircase. The walls have exciting carvings, murals and designs. The structure is made entirely of bricks.
