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This large stupa known as the Kiri Vehera of Polonnaruwa, lying north of Lankathilaka Pilima Ge is said to be built by a queen of king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) called “Subadra”. The original name of this has been “Rupavathi Stupa” and this too is a part of Alahana Privena and stands 80 feet in height today.
This stupa is also the second biggest stupa in Polonnaruwa today, the largest been the Rankoth Vehera also a part of the ancient Alahana Pirivena. Also it is the only stupa to survive the 900 years of forces of nature and still is in the original condition.
These two massive stupa’s were well preserved considering their age when they were re discovered. Therefore these gave glimpse of the components of a stupa during the latter part of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa era.
According to a article written by Paranavithana, the stupa had a well preserved cylinder above the Hathras Kotuwa measuring 9 feet 6 inches in diameter and 7 feet 8 inches in height. The bases of these cylinders are moulded and its cylindrical surfaces are equally divided in to eight parts with pilasters. Between the pilasters are figures of deities with hands in the attitude of adoration. Therefore this cylindrical component which lies between the Hatharas Kotuwa and the Koth Kerella is called Devatha Kotuwa, meaning ‘Enclosure of Deities’. According to him Kiri Vehera is one of the best preserved Devatha Kotuwa and had 16 reliefs telamons supporting the pseudo-entablature which was badly weathered. Unfortunately these relief sculptures of the deities are not seen on the Stupa today.
There are many restored smaller stupas around Kiri Vehera. These have been identified as burial chambers of high priests and royals. Many of these including Kiri Vehera stupa has been attacked by treasure hunters and their valuables looted.
The two identical stupas south to the Lankathilaka is thought to be built upon remains of a king and a queen.
Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com
References
- Paranavitana, S., 1947. Memoirs Of The Archaeological Survey of Ceylon – Volume V – The Stupa In Ceylon. Colombo: The Ceylon Government Press.
Also See
Map of Kiri Vehera at Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa
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
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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 |
