The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka - page 480

ral dome form the popular Sinhalese quincunx arrangement of five objects in the shape of
a rectangle (one at each corner and one in the middle).
Statue STATUE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
Standing nearly 4m high, this statue displays an unusually lifelike human representation,
in contrast to the normally idealised or stylised Buddha figures. Exactly whom it repres-
ents is a subject of some debate. One theory is that it's Agastya, the Indian Vedic teacher
holding a book. Or alternatively, it could be the bearded, stately figure is Parakramabahu I
clasping the 'yoke of kingship'. Or some say that the king is simply holding a piece of
papaya.
You'll find it at the northern edge of the group.
Rest House Group
Concentrated a few steps to the north of the Polonnaruwa Heritage Hotel are the ruins of
Nissanka Malla's palace ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) , which have almost been reclaimed by
the earth. The Royal Baths ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) are the ruins nearest to Polonnaruwa
Heritage Hotel.
King's Council Chamber MONUMENT
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
This is where the king's throne, in the shape of a stone lion, once stood (it's now in Co-
lombo's National Museum). Inscribed into each column in the chamber is the name of the
minister whose seat was once beside it. The mound nearby becomes an island when the
waters of the tank are high; on it are the ruins of a small summer house used by the king.
Sleeping
The Old Town is far less frenetic than the New Town (whose hotels are generally rather
tired). Nearby Giritale is a good alternative, rural base.
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