Badda Seema Malakaya of Polonnaruwa

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Badda Sema Malakaya at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa — Badda Seema Malakaya at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa

The Baddhasīmā Prāsāda, a 12th-century masterpiece by King Parākramabāhu the Great, served as the spiritual heart of Polonnaruwa’s Alāhana Pariveṇa. This monumental twelve-story Chapter House unified the Buddhist clergy. Its massive stone pillars and central dais once hosted sacred monastic rituals within a sophisticated, terraced university landscape of ancient Sri Lanka.

The Baddhasīmā Prāsāda, commonly referred to as the “Chapter House,” represents the architectural and spiritual center of the Alāhana Pariveṇa monastic complex in Polonnaruwa. This monumental structure was established in the 12th century under the direct patronage of King Parākramabāhu the Great (r. 1153–1186 CE), as part of his broader effort to restore unity within the Buddhist monastic order.

Inception, Location, and Purpose

The establishment of the Baddhasīmā Prāsāda was closely tied to the religious reforms initiated by King Parākramabāhu I. Upon ascending the throne, he sought to reconcile the three rival monastic fraternities—the Mahāvihāra, Abhayagiri, and Jetavana—and unify them under a single orthodox Theravāda tradition (Abeyawardana, 2001; Prematilleke, 1982).

To accommodate this unified Sangha, the king founded the Alāhana Pariveṇa, an extensive monastic university situated on a natural hillock to the north of the citadel’s outer walls. The name Alāhana, meaning “crematory,” reflects the site’s earlier use as a royal cremation ground, supported by the presence of numerous small stupas believed to contain the ashes of royalty and high-ranking monks (Prematilleke, 1990; Studio Times, 1973).

Positioned at the highest point of the summit terrace, the Baddhasīmā Prāsāda functioned as the Uposathaghara (Chapter House). Its primary role was to serve as the sacred venue for the fortnightly assemblies of monks, during which the Vinaya (monastic disciplinary code) was recited and reaffirmed.

Architectural Layout

The Cūḷavaṃsa describes Baddhasīmā Prāsāda as a twelve-storeyed structure, although modern scholars suggest that this figure may include the surrounding terraces. Nevertheless, the surviving remains confirm that it was the largest building of its kind in ancient Sri Lanka (Prematilleke, 1990).

The structure follows an oblong plan, measuring approximately 34.4 m by 32.3 m (113 ft by 106 ft) at its base. It is elevated on a boldly molded brick plinth (stereobate) rising about 1.37 m (4 ft 6 in), encircled by a gangway approximately 2.29 m (7 ft 6 in) wide. Entry is provided through four stairways aligned with the cardinal directions, leading into an expansive central hall.

Within this hall originally stood 108 stone pillars, arranged to create orderly passageways. At the centre is a two-tiered square dais, with the lower platform measuring about 7.3 m (24 ft) per side and the upper about 4.6 m (15 ft). This elevated platform served as the seat of the presiding mentor during assemblies of the Sangha (Paranavitana, 1967; Prematilleke, 1990).

The central hall is bordered by eleven separate chambers known as pañjarageha, which likely functioned as private quarters for senior monks. One of these rooms retains the base of a stone staircase that once led to the upper levels. These upper stories were probably constructed of timber with tiled roofs, which explains their absence today, leaving only the substantial brick ground floor intact. Traces of the original red polished plaster finish can still be seen on sections of the surviving walls (Hocart, 1926; Paranavitana, 1967; Prematilleke, 1990).

Other Associated Structures within the Complex

The Baddhasīmā Prāsāda forms part of the larger and carefully planned Alāhana Pariveṇa complex. On a lower terrace of the summit are located the Laṅkātilaka Image House, a massive vaulted gedige-style shrine housing a towering standing Buddha, and the Kirivehera, a bubble-shaped stupa notable for the preservation of its original lime plaster.

Beyond these central monuments lie the lower terraces, which contain the residential kuti of the monks, arranged in an orderly manner. The complex also includes an advanced hospital facility equipped with a medicinal stone trough known as the beheth-oruwa, as well as communal dining halls, reflecting the highly organized and self-sufficient nature of this monastic institution.

On the sides of Badda Sema Malakaya at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa

References

Abeyawardana, H. a. P. (2001). Heritage of Ruhuna: Major Natural, Cultural, and Historic Sites. Ruhuna Development Bank.
Paranavitana, S. (1967). Sinhalayo. Lake House Investments Ltd. Publishers.
Prematilleke, P. L. (1982). Alahana Parivena : Third Archaeological Excavation Report (April – September 1982): UNESCO-Sri Lanka Project of the Cultural Triangle. Central Cultural Fund, Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Prematilleke, P. L. (1990). The Architecture of the Polonnaruwa Period B.C. 800 — 1200 A.D. In N. De Silva (Ed.), Archaeological Department Centenary (1890-1990) : Commemorative Series : Volume Three : Achitechture (1st ed., Vols. 3–4, pp. 35–70). Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Studio Times. (1973). Handbook for the Ceylon Traveller (1st ed.).
Hocart, A. M. (1926). Memoirs of the Archaeological Survey of Ceylon: Vol. II–VI (1st ed.). Archaeological Survey of Ceylon.

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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 the ancient royal 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: 5 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.
Route from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa Sacred City	Route from Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa Sacred City
Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time: 2 hours Driving Directions: See on Google Maps.	Through: Maradankadawala–Habarana Distance: 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions: see on Google Maps.