Statue of Bodhisattva at Dalada Maluwa of Polonnaruwa

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Statue of Bodhisattva at Dalada Maluwa of Polonnaruwa

The life-size 12th-century statue at Dalada Maluwa represents a significant historical debate, identified as either a Bodhisattva or a royal such as King Duṭugemuṇu. Sculpted with a bare torso and intricate regalia, its bulky, rigid form marks the transition from delicate Anurādhapura artistry to the powerful, vigorous style characteristic of the Polonnaruwa era.

The life-size statue popularly known as the Bodhisattva Statue, standing independently at the center of the Dalada Maluwa has been generally dated to the 12th century AD (Wijesekera, 1962). This timeframe aligns with the reigns of the prominent builders of Polonnaruwa, Parakramabahu I the Great and King Nissanka Malla. At that time, the Dalada Maluwa functioned as the terrace of the tooth relic, serving as the depository for the most revered artifacts of the kingdom.

Condition and Identity

Although the statue remains relatively well-preserved, its hands have been damaged or lost. Consequently, it is not possible to identify the original Mudra or hand gesture of the figure.

While many scholars identify the figure as a Bodhisattva, its precise identity continues to be a topic of historical discussion. The scarcity of Bodhisattva imagery in Polonnaruwa, especially when compared to the late Anuradhapura era, is frequently linked to the Cola invasion. This period saw a decline in artistic trends influenced by Mahayana Buddhism. Nevertheless, tradition suggests this figure could represent royal individuals, such as King Dutugemunu (Dhammika, 2018), appearing in the guise of Bodhisattvas. This reflects the medieval belief that only those who were Bodhisattvas were fit to rule as kings of Lanka (Prematilleke, 2007).

Architectural Features and Artistic Style

From an architectural perspective, the statue demonstrates a fusion of traditional Sinhalese methods and late Amaravati influences.

Physical Form: This life-size standing figure is sculpted from either granite or limestone. The image depicts a bare torso, while the lower portion of the body is draped in a refined cloth gathered neatly at the waist (Prematilleke, 2007).
Regalia and Ornamentation: The statue is characterized by an elaborate headdress and detailed jewelry, which are standard features of Bodhisattva iconography. It includes earrings, often shaped like Makaras, and multi-tiered crowns, though much of this intricate detail has suffered from weathering (Prematilleke, 2007).
Artistic Quality: Art critics often describe the physique of the statue as stiff and bulky. It lacks the lithe and gentle qualities seen in the earlier Amaravati style statues of Anuradhapura. This rigidity is viewed as a hallmark of the 12th-century Polonnaruwa school of sculpture, which prioritized a sense of vigor and strength over delicate forms (Wijesekera, 1962).

References

Dhammika, B. S. (2018). Sacred Island: A Buddhist Pilgrim’s Guide to Sri Lanka (1st ed.). Buddhist Publication Society. (Original work published 2008)
Prematilleke, P. L. (2007). The Art and Archaeology of Sri Lanka I: Archaeology, Architecture, Sculpture. Central Cultural Fund.
Wijesekera, N. (1962). Early Sinhalese Sculpture (1st ed.). M. D. Gunasena & Co Ltd.
Wikramagamage, C. (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major Natural, Cultural and Historic Sites (1st ed.). Rajarata Development Bank and Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

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Driving Directions to Polonnaruwa Sacred City (Statue of bodhisattva at Dalada Maluwa )

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.