POLONNARUWA

 Anciant city of Sri Lanka

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993.

Kings ruled the central plains of Sri Lanka from Polonnaruwa 800 years ago, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The glories of that age can be found in the archaeological treasures that still give a pretty good idea of how the city looked in its day. You'll find the archaeological park a delight to explore, with hundreds of ancient structures – tombs and temples, statues and stupas – in a compact core.  It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabhahu I in the 12th century. The Quadrangle alone is worth the trip.

Sightseeing In Polonnaruwa;

 1. Parakrama Samudra / The Ocean Parakrama 
                        Parakrama Samudraya (Ocean of Parakrama) built by King Parakramabhahu the great, is the largest ancient man-made rainwater reservoir in Sri Lanka. This was his largest irrigation project and covers an area of more than 15 square kilometers. The dam (or bund, as it is known in Sri Lanka, is almost 14 Km long and 12 metres high.

This reservoir is the main source of life for the people in and around the agricultural district of Polonnaruwa.

 2. The Royal Palace of king Parakramabhahu
              The first group of ruins you meet after entering the ground of the Ancient City is the Royal Palace Group. This group of buildings dates from the period of King Parakramabahu I (1153 – 1186). The Royal Palace of the king is a massive structure, measuring 31 m by 13 m, once including 50 rooms supported by 30 columns. Even today it is quite an impressive building, but picture it being seven floors tall with 3 m thick walls, as the archaeologists claim it once was.

Today only some of the walls are left, with holes to hold floor beams for two higher levels. If the building had four more levels above these stone walls, the archaeologists speculate that they must have been made of wood. Can you imaging how to Impressive building such a big palace in those days without machines..

 3. Statue of King Parakramabahu 

                   The statue has generated speculations and arguments concerning its identification. The archaeologists haven’t arrived at a concrete conclusion.The sculpture that rises at a height of 3.5m is believed to be that of King Parakramabhahu the great.It could also very well be a representation of the sage Pulasti, after whom the city was named Pulastinagara. Pulastinagara (Sinhala: City of Pulasti) is the pali version of the Sinhala name Polonnaruwa.

 4. Audience Hall

                   The king`s Audience Hall is a monument having beautiful stone carved elephants alongside each of its walls. Each elephant is in a different position and looks different from the other. The stairs to the Audience Hall was pretty impressive, with beautiful lions on the top of both side.

 5. The Sacred Quadrangle - (Vatadage) 

This sacred quadrangle has a number of significant sacred monuments. This is the most concentrated collection of buildings in the whole Ancient City, and every visitors to Polonnaruwa must see this place. The extremely eye-catching scene of the entire quadrangle is believed to be the circular Vatadage. The all four entrances all lead to a central dagaba with four Buddhas. The all four entrances all lead to a central dagaba (Stupa) with four Buddhas. 

  6. The Shiva Devalaya NO : 2

         The Shiva Devale No. 2 is considered to be the oldest building in the city of Polonnaruwa. It was built by the Indian invaders around 1070 AD during the Chola dynasty of South India in Sri Lanka. This is one of few Hindu temples on the grounds. it had been created entirely of stone. And this is basically in the same condition as when it was built. The statue of Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi the bull is something to watch out for.

  7. The swimming Pool 

          The King's swimming pool is situated at the corner of the palace grounds. It is one of the main attractions of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. There are some crocodile-mouth spouts used to lead fresh water into the pool. 

  8. The Gal Vihara

       Gal Vihara is a group of four beautiful Buddhas in perfect condition, cut from one long slab of granite.  It was built during the reign of the great King Parakramabhahu (1153-1186 A.C). The standing Buddha is 7 m tall and The reclining Buddha is 14 m long. These are said to be the finest of the series, with its unusual position of the arms and sad facial expression. This is one of the best examples of ancient excellence in stone carving in Sri Lanka.

  9. Lankathilake Vihara 

              The Lankathilaka Vihara is said to be one of the emblematic structures of an ancient kingdom of the city of Polonnaruwa. It is impressive by with its 17 m high big walls.  The roof is gone.  The aisle of this leads to a huge standing headless Buddha statue. The height of the statue is almost over 14m high. The great King Parakramabhahu built this.

  

  10. The Statue Of the  King Parakramabhahu

                              With the end of the Anuradhapura era, the kingdom was transferred to Polonnaruwa. King Parakramabhahu was the person who made the entire city with infrastructure and all other facilities. King Parakramabhahu is one of the greatest Kings who ruled ancient Sri Lanka.The statue elaborates grandeur and a grave expression of the King who keeps a long object is held in his hands. It seems to be like an Ola leaves the book (Pus kola pota). The King with a long beard, large stomach but strong shoulders and the hair are unique features of the statue. Being located in the area of the Pot Gul Vehera which is also regarded as a former Library of ancient Sri Lanka, the statute supports the version much. The round shaped shoulders show that the king is almost strong. The right leg is relaxed and the left is supported by it. The King is wearing a cloth of a simple manner. The great archeologist and historian Senarath Paranavitarana says that its ‘the very embodiment of strength majesty and dignity’.  A small destroyed Dagoba can be seen near the statue. Perhaps it was the burial ground of the King. Another version of this statue belongs to Agastya or Pulasti. Because of the Indian architectural patterns which had been used by the originator.

Mostly it is concerned as the Sculpture of King Parakramabhahu. Though he builds Parakrama Samudra, made a great service to the irrigation system. Even today the reservoirs which the King constructed are providing safe water and sanitation services to the community.

  * In addition, Polonnaruwa has many ancient stupas, as in Anuradhapura.