Siva Devale No. 7 of Polonnaruwa Kingdom (ශිව දේවාලය අංක 7)

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Siva Devale No. 7 of Polonnaruwa Kingdom

Siva Devale No. 7 is one of several modest Siva kovils scattered across the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa. It is situated approximately 100 meters before the northern exit of the inner city, on the left side of the road. Set a few meters within the tree line, the structure is not readily distinguishable from the numerous ruined walls that remain dispersed throughout the inner city.

Historical Context

The Cola occupation of Sri Lanka between 1017 and 1070 CE led to the construction of numerous shrines dedicated to deities of the Hindu pantheon. As Polonnaruwa served as their administrative centre for several decades, many such temples were established within the capital.

During the early twentieth century, H. C. P. Bell documented at least fourteen ruined monuments of this type. More recent excavations have revealed an additional brick-built devale within the Alahana Pirivena complex. It is also possible that certain shrines were founded during the thirteenth century, particularly in the aftermath of the invasion led by Magha of Kalinga, which precipitated the decline of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.

Architectural Features and Dating

Siva Devale No. 7 was constructed primarily of brick, and today only the lower sections of its walls have been restored. The identity of its builder and the precise date of construction remain uncertain.

However, the stone Siva lingam within the shrine is placed upon a stone slab bearing an inscription attributed to King Nissanka Malla (r. 1187–1196). On epigraphic grounds, it is therefore presumed that this kovil may have been established during the thirteenth century.

Hindu Shrines Discovered in the Ancient Polonnaruwa Kingdom

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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.

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