The Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa

The Birth of Polonnaruwa

The history Polonnaruwa goes as far as 6th century BC when a minister of the king Vijaya (From whom the Sinhalese race was born) established a town called “Vijitha Grama” on the area now called Kaduruwela. This is also the place for the famous “Battle of Vijithapura” between the Great King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC) and the Tamil invader Elara in his effort to re-unite the country under one Sinhalese King. This area was gradually developed as an influential agricultural town with large irrigation tanks and complex waterways built by various kings who ruled from Anuradhapura.

The selection of Polonnaruwa as the capital was not random choice by the invaders but a strategic choice. Polonnaruwa was developed to be the next kingdom by the Sri Lankan kings from the fifth century BC itself and even during the Anuradhapura era some kings chose this area to rule from whenever the Anuradhapura was under siege.`

Anuradhapura was first kingdom in Sri Lanka and lasted for over 15 centuries from the 4th century BC. The last king of Anuradhapura was the king Mahinda V who was captured by Chola Invaders from South India in 993 and took him prisoner and was taken to India. Later he died in India itself. The Chola Invaders destroyed everything in Anuradhapura and took their ruling capital to Polonnaruwa in 1017 which they called “Jananathapuram”. During this period most of the Sinhalese in these areas migrated to the south to escape the cruelties of this Tamil ruler. After the death of King Mahinda in 1029 in India, the Sinhalese started a definite revolution stating from the South. This revolt was headed by the youngest son of King Mahinda who died unexpectedly. Ten years later a prince by the name of Keerthi made the final attack on Polonnaruwa in 1070 and defeated the “Soli” king who reigned the area for almost 75 years. He held his consecration in Anuradhapura as king Vijayabahu (see The Royal palace of King Vijayabahu I in Anuradhapura) and made his ruling capital Polonnaruwa.

Map of Polonnaruwa

Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa

The modern town of Polonnaruwa is also known as New Town, and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :230 km Travel Time : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map	Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance : 140 km Travel Time : 3.5 hours Driving Directions : see on Google maps
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Though : Maradankadawala – Habarana Distance : 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map	Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance : 97 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map

Places of Interest in Polonnaruwa ( view in alphabetical order )

1. Parakrama Samudraya (The Ocean of the King Parakrama)
2. Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple) Statue – Statue of King Parakramabahu
3. Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple)
4. Deepa Uyana
5. Unidentified structure at the Nissanga Malla’s court
6. Nissanga Malla’s Audience Hall (Raja Sabha Mandapaya)
7. Palace of King Nissanga Malla 
8. Weijantha Palace (Palace of King Parakramabahu) 
9. Royal Court of king Parakramabahu 
10. Royal Pond of King Parakramabahu
11. Shiva Kovil (number 1) 
12. Dalada Maluwa 
13. Vatadagê (The Stupa-house)
14. Image of Boddhisathwa
15. Thuparama Image House
16. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya 
17. Oth-pilimaya 
18. Atadage 
19. Hetadage 
20. Gal-potha (Stone Book) 
21. Sathmahal Pasada (Seven storied building) 
22. Pabalu Vehera 
23. Shiva Kovil (number 2) 
24. Vishnu Kovil (number 2) 
25. Shiva Kovil (number 3) And Gansh Kovil 
26. Eastern Entrance to the Inner City 
27. Menik Vehera 
28. Shiva Kovil (number 4)
29. Rankoth Vehera 
30. Gopala Pabbatha
31. Alahana Privena
32. Badda Sema Malakaya 
33. Kuda Gal Viharaya (Small Rock Temple)
34. Lankathilaka Image House
35. Kiri Vehera
36. Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) 
37. Damila Maha Seya (Stupa of Tamils) 
38. Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) 
39. Thivanka Image House
40. Vishnu Devala (number 4) – Naipena Viharaya 
41. Shiva Devala (number 5)

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• Sandakada Pahana – Moonstone
• Korawakgala – Balustrades of Bhuddhist Buildings
• Mura Gala ( Guard Stone)
• Makara Torana

Other Historical Sites around Polonnaruwa

1. Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya
2. Namal Pokuna Viharaya
3. Medirigiriya Vatadage (Medirigiriya Stupa House)
4. Somavathiya (Somavathi Chethiya)
5. Pulligoda Galge frescos

Other Sites in and Around Polonnaruwa

1. Kaudulla National Park
2. Minneriya National Park
3. Giritale Tank
4. Manampitya Bridge

A chronological list of rulers in Polonnaruwa [For a full list click here]

“Chola” Invaders	South Indian invaders	1017-1070
Vijayabahu I		1070-1110
Jayabahu I	Younger brother of Vijayabahu I	1110-1111
Wickramabahu I	Son of Vijayabahu I	1111-1132
Gajabahu II		1132-1159
Parakramabahu I	The father of Parakramabahu , Manabharana was the son of Mitta, who was the sister of Vijayabahu I The mother of Parakramabahu was Rathnavali who was a daughter of Vijayabahu	1153-1186
Vijayabahu II	Son of Parakramabahu’s sister	1186-1187
Nissanka Malla	Came from Kalinga kingdom in India	1187-1196
Wickramabahu II	Son of Nissanka Malla	1196
Choda Ganga	A nephew of Nissanka Malla	1196-1197
Queen Leelavathi	Wife of Parakramabahu I	1197-1200
Sahasa Malla	A relation of Nissanka Malla who came from Kalinga kingdom in India	1200-1202
Queen Kalyanavathi	Second wife of Nissanka Malla	1202-1208
Dharmashoka	Was made the king at the age of three months	1208-1209
Anikanga Mahadipada	Ruled the country for 17 days	1209
Queen Leelavathi (restored)		1209-1210
Lokeshwara	Invader from Kalinga kingdom in India	1210-1211
Queen Leelavathi (restored)		1211-1212
Parakramabahu Pandu	Invader from pandya kingdom in India	1212-1215
Magha	Invader from Kalinga kingdom in India	1215-1236