This beautifully carved statue stands 11½ feet (3.5 meters) in height and is carved into a semi-circular rock. Popular belief is that this is the statue of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) thus generally known as the Parakramabahu Statue. Another belief is that this is a statue of an Indian high priest (probably “Kapila” of “Pulasthi”). The long beard and the mustache, the hair, the clothing, and the body with a slightly large stomach are not what you would expect from a statue of a great king.
Irrespective of who this represents, this is a quite beautiful and unique statue showing the highest level of craftsmanship of the rock carving engineers of that time.
This statue can be reached by traveling about 1½ kilometers along the Parakrama Samudraya dam. There is a small unidentified and destroyed Chethya closer to this statue. It is believed by some that this is the burial ground of King Parakramabahu and this stupa holds the remains of the king.
Also See
Map of Pothgul Viharaya Parakramabahu Statue
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 the royal ancient 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 : 4.45 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Through : Matale – Dambulla – Habarana Distance : 140 km Travel Time : 3.5 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 : 103 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map | Though : Chenkaladi – Valachchena Distance : 97 km Travel Time : 2 hours Driving Directions : see on Google map |