Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa

This city was the second great capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura and is located about 100 kilometers to the south-east. Its prominence as the capital lasted for about 300 years, during which a number of major
Buddhist structures were made. But while they were built in a later age, these structures were lesser in size and magnificence to those of more ancient times. Nonetheless, most of these are beautiful and significant.
By the 13th century, Polonnaruwa became increasingly vulnerable to attacks from the north by Indian invaders, and was almost destroyed by decades of invasions and civil wars. Subsequent kings gradually shifted their capitals towards the south-west, and like Anuradhapura before it, Polonnaruwa was  eventually abandoned. This ancient city is designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

The Sea of Parakrama

Although without any religious significance, this reservoir is possibly Polonnaruwa’s most impressive feature. It was constructed during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the late 12th century and served both as
a defence against invaders and as a supply of water for both the city and for irrigation. Reservoirs in Sri Lanka are somewhat incongruously called ‘tanks’ and some of them, like the Sea of Parakrama, are so big they are actually more like inland seas.In fact, this reservoir covers more than 22 square kilometres and is
comprised of three huge bodies of water connected together. This was an incredible feat of ancient engineering which has to be seen to be believed.It fell into disrepair following the decline of the city but was restored in recent times. The lake now irrigates more than 72 square kilometers of rice fields.

The Gal Vihara

Some of the finest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka are found in the Gal Vihara, or “Rock Temple”, where four Buddha images are carved from the face of a single granite rock. There is a very impressive 5 metre high seated image with an elaborate halo behind its head, and next to it is a similar but much smaller one in a recess. On a rock between the recess and the standing image is an inscription describing Parakramabahu’s efforts to reform theSangha in 1165. Next is a large standing image about 7 metres tall. Because of its unusual posture with its hands folded across its chest, some people believe that this image is not of the Buddha, but of Ananda, his personal attendant. At the end of the cliff is a massive reclining statue just over 14 metres long.This statue shows the Buddha at rest as he enters into final Nibbana. The flow of the robes, the pillow and the feet of the statue are all exquisitely carved. The face also has a most peaceful and serene smile.

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