Parakramabahu Statue at Pothgul Vehera

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This beautifully carved statue stands 11½ feet (3.5 meters) in height and carved in to 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 represent, 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 1 ½ kilometres 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.

The overgrown stupa at the Parakramabahu Statue

Also See

Map of Pothgul Viharaya Parakramabahu Statue

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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