sri-lanka-13-full-pdf-ebook.pdf

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Satmahal Prasada MoNUMENt
In the northeast corner stands the unusual
ziggurat-style Satmahal Prasada, which con-
sists of six diminishing storeys (there used
to be seven), shaped like a stepped pyramid.
Check out the figurines set in niches within
its crumbling walls.

Atadage MoNUMENt
A shrine for the tooth relic, the Atadage is the
only surviving structure in Polonnaruwa dat-
ing from the reign of Vijayabahu I.

Velaikkara Slab Inscription MoNUMENt
Just in case you thought that bureaucrats
have evolved through the years, check out this
12th-century memorial slab with an equally
lifeless slab of text tossing off credits in all
directions.

1 Around the Quadrangle

Dotted around the fringes of the Quadrangle
there’s a number of structures, including Shi-
va Devales (Hindu temples), relics from the
South Indian invasion of the 10th century.

Shiva Devale No 1 HINDU
Just south of the Quadrangle, the 13th-
century Hindu temple Shiva Devale No 1
displays the Indian influence that returned
after Polonnaruwa’s Sinhalese florescence. It
is notable for the superb quality of its stone-
work, which fits together with unusual pre-
cision. The domed brick roof has collapsed,
but when this building was being excavated
a number of excellent bronzes, now in the
Archaeological Museum, were found.

Shiva Devale No 2 HINDU
Shiva Devale No 2 is the oldest structure in
Polonnaruwa and dates from the brief Chola
period, when the Indian invaders established
the city. Unlike so many buildings in the An-
cient Cities, it was built entirely of stone, so
the structure today is much as it was when
built.

Pabula Vihara BUDDHISt
Also known as the Parakramabahu Vihara,
Pabula Vihara is a typical dagoba from the pe-
riod of Parakramabahu I. This brick stupa is
the third-largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa, and
set in a woodland clearing.

1 Northern Group

These ruins, all north of the city wall, start
about 1.5km north of the Quadrangle. They
include the impressive Alahana Pirivena

group (consisting of the Rankot Vihara,

Lankatilaka, Kiri Vihara, Buddha Seema Pras-

ada and the other structures around them.)

The name of the group means ‘crematory col-

lege’ – it stood in the royal cremation grounds

established by Parakramabahu.

Further north is Gal Vihara, probably the

most famous group of Buddha images in Sri

Lanka.

We’ve organised the sites below in a south

to north direction, the way you’ll approach

them from the Quadrangle. A bike makes

exploration a lot easier.

Rankot Vihara BUDDHISt

The 54m Rankot Vihara dagoba, the largest

in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest on the

island, has been ascribed to the reign of King

Nissanka Malla. Like the other major dagobas

in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the dome

consists of earth fill covered by a brick mantle

and plaster. The construction clearly imitates

the Anuradhapura style. Surgical instruments

found in a nearby ruined 12th-century hospi-

tal are said to be similar to those used today.

Buddha Seema Prasada rUIN

The highest building in the Alahana Pirivena

group, this was the monastery abbot’s con-

vocation hall. This building features a fine

mandapaya (raised platform with decorative

pillars).

oLankatilaka BUDDHISt

One of the most evocative structures in Pol-

onnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built

by Parakramabahu and later restored by

Vijayabahu IV. This huge gedige has 17m-high

walls, although the roof has collapsed. The

cathedral-like aisle leads to a huge stand-

ing (headless) Buddha. Offerings of incense,

and the structure’s columns and arches add

to the distinctly ecclesiastical, devotional

atmosphere.

The outer walls, decorated with bas-reliefs,

show typical Polonnaruwa structures in their

original state.

Kiri Vihara BUDDHISt

Construction of the dagoba Kiri Vihara is

credited to Subhadra, King Parakramabahu’s

queen. Originally known as the Rupavati Che-

tiya, the present name means ‘milk white’. It

was renamed when the overgrown jungle was

cleared away after 700 years of neglect and

the original lime plaster was found to be in

perfect condition. It is still the best-preserved

unrestored dagoba at Polonnaruwa.