Sathmahal Prasada (Seven Storied Palace)

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This pyramid-shaped, seven storied building called Sathmahal Prasadaya is thought to be an unusually shaped stupa built during the Polonnaruwa Period (11th -13th century).

There are 4 known square shaped stupa’s in Sri Lanka. The most popular is the Sathmahal Prasadaya. The rest of the 3 stupas can be found in the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom which are rarely visited by the pilgrims. One of these stupa’s is Nakha Vehera. The other 2 belongs to the Abhayagiriya Monastic Complex. One of them is known as Indikatu Seya (aka Prasada Stupa). The other lies west of Eth Pokuna on the western border of the Abhayagiri Monastery.

It is said that similar Stupa’s to Sathmahal Prasadaya can be seen in Cambodia and in Siam. It is thought this has been built for the Cambodian soldiers who were working under the king as place of worship. The building has four entrances from four sides. Also there is stair case to reach the upper levels. The person who built it, the original name of it or the purpose is still a mystery.

This is made out of brick and is over 30 feet (9 meters) in height. This structure is located inside the Dalada Maluwa of the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Also See

Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com

before restoration – photo taken on late 1800′s or early 1900′s

Map of Sathmahal Prasada (Seven Storied Palace) at Polonnaruwa

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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City

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

Route from Colombo to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Kandy to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Though : Central Highway – Kurunegala – Dambulla Distance from Colombo :226 km Travel time : 4.45 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance from Colombo : 145 km Travel time : 3.0 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 from colombo : 105 km Travel time : 2 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance from colombo :100 km Travel time : 1.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map