Polonnaruwa

POLONNARUWA

Polonnaruwa is the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s capitals from the 11th to the 13th century AD, specified as a world heritage site. However, it was supposed to be populated long before this from around the 2nd century BC.

The dominion of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century AD is known as the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa. The King was admired that no drop of water falling to the earth should be wasted. He was constructed invaluable irrigation systems and the greatest of system is the Sea of Parakrama or the Parakrama Samudraya. King Parakramabahu's reign, there was a system to supply water to the paddy cultivations during the dry season in the east of the country, which shows the best planned of irrigation system on time. Throughout his time commercial and agriculture flourished and the kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient.

The kings who followed were unable to succeed the same magnitude as King Parakramabahu, and this superior kingdom fell into decline. The kingdom went on to form more intimate matrimonial alliances with stronger South Indian kingdoms, until these matrimonial links superseded the local royal lineage and gave rise to the Kalinga invasion by King Kalinga Magha in 1214 and the eventual passing of empire into the hands of a Pandyan King after the Arya Chakrawarthi invasion of Sri Lanka in 1284. The capital of Polonnaruwa was also named “Jananathamangalam” during the short Chola reign and then it was moved to Dambadeniya.

In terms of architecture you’ll notice a combination of Anuradhapura, South Indian and a unique Polonnaruwa style of building. In Anuradhapura you can visit many places of historical and archaeological interest are scattered over a large area, but in Polonnaruwa a large number of places can be seen within a much lesser area.

Polonnaruwa like any other historical South Asian city contained of a castle within which the kingdom was located, a guarded wall system and moats, monastic and devale complexes which were the ceremonial centers and a well laid out market complex.

The Royal Palace and Council Chambers

King Parakramabahu’s citadel must have once been an impressive structure, and records describe it was massive wood and stone structure as 7 stories high contained a 1000 chambers. Stone lions seated at the top of the steps leading into the hall were symbols of royal power.

The large administrative buildings, regal pleasure parks complete with royal baths(Kumara Pokuna), complexly carved stone pillars, grandiosely decorated windows and the fabulous architecture used to build this palace, are characteristic of this great time.

The Hindu Temples

Polonnaruwa has largest number of Hindu Devals spread out among Buddhist shrines. Compared to the larger Buddhist shrines, the Hindu temples can be considered small but significant in design and execution, with a definite Hindu character conforming to an orthodox religious architectural tradition.

Nissankamalla's Palace

Standing close to the shore of the great man-made lake, the ruins of the palace of  King Parakramabahu the great's successor, King  Nissankamalla (1187-1196 AD), are less well-maintained than those of the Royal Palace, but are attractively located. This palace includes a regal bathing pool just south of the palace, and the King's Council Chamber, where the names of the king's ministers can be seen carved into the pillars which supported the chamber roof.

The Quadrangle

This sacred quadrangle contains some of the earliest and most sacred monuments of Polonnaruwa, stands within its own square of walls. The central unit here is the Vatadage (circular relic house),18m (59ft) in diameter, with four entrances. This is a graceful and pleasant work of art.

The Thuparama

Turn to the southwest corner of the Quadrangle, is the Thuparama, a fine example of the gedige style of temple. This is the only one to survive with its roof still in place.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya

West of the Vatadage is the Lata Mandapaya, a small dagoba surrounded by stone columns topped with fixed lotus. This was built by King Nissankamalla, is an innovative work of art depicting the splendor of classical architecture. The pavilion was supposed for chanting Buddha’s teaching and the inscription at the pavilion reveals that the king used listen to the chanting of pirith, the Buddhist blessings.

Beyond this is the Atadage, the ruin of a tooth relic shrine built during the period of Vijayabahu the 1st.

Alahana Pirivena

This extends over 80 hectares. As per the historical evidence this place was a monastic university during the King Parakramabahu’s period.

Demala Maha Seya

Abandoned before achievement, this large mound is what remains of King Parakramabahu's effort to build the largest dagoba. The great king died before the work was completed.

Kiri Vehera

Kiri vehera, the best conserved of Sri lanka’s un-restored Stupas. Next to the Lankatilaka is the Kiri Vehara. The creation of this dagoba is credited to King Parakrambahu's queen Subhadra.

Hospital

Remains indicate of three entrances & rooms. The ruins of a hospital consist of 33 stone towers on the outer construction & 20 towers in the inner construction.

Gal Vihara

The finest collections of Buddhist statue can be seen at Galvihara in Polonnaruwa. This is the most celebrated site and one of the most famed Rock Monastery in the whole island. It is known for its large rock-cut images which are in a perfect state of preservation. A unique display of rock art, across the face of the rock is a seated Lord Buddha image in deep meditation, next a statue inside a cave out of sold rock, another standing Buddha statue 7 meters high and finally can see the Buddha lying down.

Parakrama Samudraya

Best known as the “Sea of Parakrama”, which is owing to the waves that play on its surface due to its immense size. The great King Parakramabahu built this as one of the largest man made inland lakes in the world. So massive that it is often mistaken for the ocean. The measure of capacity or area rises to an average height of 12m & stretches over its entire length of 13.7 km. It is of such a size that it is incredible to stand on one shore and view the other side. It surrounds the town like a ribbon, being both a protective border against intruders and the lifeline of people in times of peace.

Today, Polonnaruwa, is a world Inheritance Site, with its preserved ruins and restored ancient irrigation reservoirs is a “must visit” cultural destination of Sri Lanka. As much as the preserved cultural monuments would enlighten the tourists, the wild life preserves in the district of Polonnaruwa affords plenty of chances for fun in the close range of wild elephants, other mammals to the lovers of wildlife.