Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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).
Lankatilaka
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, 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 standing (head-
less) Buddha. Offerings of incense, and the structure's columns and arches add to the dis-
tinctly ecclesiastical, devotional atmosphere.
The outer walls
,
decorated with bas-reliefs, show typical Polonnaruwa structures in their
original state.
Kiri Vihara
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Construction of the dagoba Kiri Vihara is credited to Subhadra, King Parakramabahu's
queen. Originally known as the Rupavati Chetiya, 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.
Gal Vihara
MONUMENT
This is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sin-
halese rock carving. They are part of Parakramabahu's northern monastery. The Gal Vi-
hara consists of four separate images, all cut from one long slab of granite. At one time
each was enshrined within a separate enclosure.
The
standing Buddha
is 7m tall and is said to be the finest of the series. The unusual
position of the arms and sorrowful facial expression led to the theory that it was an image
of the Buddha's disciple Ananda, grieving for his master's departure for nirvana, since the