Pabalu Vehera at Polonnaruwa | AmazingLanka.com

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

Pabalu Vehera and the ruins surrounding it

The Pabalu Vehera in Polonnaruwa is a unique 12th-century stupa attributed to Queen Rūpāvatī. Its name, meaning “beads,” stems from archaeological finds of glass beads. Featuring nine surrounding image houses and Mahāyāna inscriptions, this bubbulākāra structure remains the kingdom’s third-largest monument.

The origin of the unusually shaped Pabalu Vehera stupa remains uncertain, although it is generally believed to have been constructed by one of the consorts of King Parākramabāhu I (1153–1186 CE), namely Queen Rūpāvatī (Prematilleke, 1990). The original name of the stupa is not known. It is the third-largest stupa of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom (Mitton, 1917).

Etymology and Present Condition

The present name Pabalu—meaning “beads”—derives from the large number of small glass beads discovered during archaeological excavations in the vicinity of the stupa.

The upper section of the stupa has been destroyed, most likely during invasions, while the central portion has also was discovered damaged, probably as a result of treasure hunting activities in more recent times.

Archaeological Discoveries

Excavations conducted within the dome revealed a Mahāyāna dhāraṇī text containing the mantra “om, manipadme svasti,” indicating the presence of Mahāyāna Buddhist influence during this period, a tradition that King Parākramabāhu I is said to have respected (Wikramagamage, 2004).

Additionally, a pot-shaped reliquary was uncovered at the site. This reliquary bears stylistic similarities to those found at Kiri Vehera in Kataragama (Prematilleke, 1990).

Architectural Features

Pabalu Vehera is a hemispherical, or bubble-shaped, stupa, technically classified as bubbulākāra, although its present appearance has been altered. One notable architectural feature is the flight of steps constructed on the northern side, leading to the second pēsava, which may have functioned as a circumambulatory path. According to Paranavitana, this feature was likely a later addition (Prematilleke, 1990).

According to Longhurst, who excavated the site in 1938, the stupa stands at approximately 15.24 metres (50 feet) in height and has a diameter of about 25.91 metres (85 feet) (Prematilleke, 2007).

Image Houses and Associated Structures

In contrast to the typical arrangement of four image houses surrounding a stupa, Pabalu Vehera is encircled by nine image houses. These structures contain a variety of Buddha representations, including seated and standing images. One image house enshrines a Śrī Pāthula (a footprint of the Buddha), while another contains a reclining Buddha statue.

It is believed that these image houses were constructed over different periods by various devotees, reflecting a long history of continued religious patronage and architectural addition.

References

Mitton, G. (1917). The Lost Cities of Ceylon. Frederick A. Stokes Company.
Paranavitana, S. (1950). Guide to Polonnaruwa (3rd ed.). Government Press. (Original work published 1948)
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 : Architecture (1st ed., Vols. 3–4, pp. 35–70). Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Prematilleke, P. L. (2007). The Art and Archaeology of Sri Lanka I: Archaeology, Architecture, Sculpture. Central Cultural Fund.
Wikramagamage, C. (2004). Heritage of Rajarata: Major Natural, Cultural and Historic Sites (1st ed.). Rajarata Development Bank and Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Also See

Map of Pabalu Vehera

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.

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.