Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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 TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
Also known as the Parakramabahu Vihara, Pabula Vihara is a typical dagoba from the peri-
od of Parakramabahu I. This brick stupa is the third-largest dagoba in Polonnaruwa, and
set in a woodland clearing.
Northern Group
These ruins, all north of the city wall, start about 1.5km north of the Quadrangle. They in-
clude the impressive Alahana Pirivena group (consisting of the Rankot Vihara, Lankatil-
aka, Kiri Vihara, Buddha Seema Prasada and the other structures around them.) The name
of the group means 'crematory college' - it stood in the royal cremation grounds estab-
lished 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 TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
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 dago-
bas 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 in-
struments found in a nearby ruined 12th-century hospital are said to be similar to those
used today.
Buddha Seema Prasada RUIN
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