Sathmahal Prasada (Seven Storied Palace)

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The Satmahal Prasadaya (also rendered Sat-mahal-pasada), situated at the northeastern corner of the Dalada Maluwa (Sacred Quadrangle) in Polonnaruwa, is a distinctive brick-built stepped pyramid that represents an anomaly within Sri Lankan stupa architecture. Although traditionally described as the “Seven-storied Palace,” it is now firmly identified as a cetiya of an uncommon architectural type.

Comparable Square Stupas in Sri Lanka

There are four square-shaped stupas of this type in Sri Lanka. The most prominent is the Satmahal Prasada itself. The remaining three are located within the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom and are seldom visited by pilgrims. One of these is Nakha Vehera. The other two belong to the Abhayagiriya monastic complex: one is known as Indikatu Seya (also referred to as the Prasada Stupa), while the other stands west of Eth Pokuna, along the western boundary of the Abhayagiri monastery.

Structures resembling the Satmahal Prasada are also found in Cambodia and Siam (Thailand). It has been suggested that this monument may have been constructed as a place of worship for Cambodian soldiers serving under the Sinhalese king. The building is designed with four entrances, one on each side, and includes a staircase providing access to the upper levels. However, the identity of its builder, its original name, and its precise purpose remain uncertain.

Origin and Purpose

The origin of the monument continues to be debated among historians. While popular tradition attributes its construction to King Nissanka Malla (1187–1196 CE), archaeological speculation proposes that it may have been commissioned by Queen Chandravati, one of King Parakramabahu I’s queens (Mitton, 1917).

Scholarly consensus now recognizes the structure as a religious edifice, most likely intended as a receptacle for sacred relics. It is widely interpreted as a symbolic representation of the mythical Mount Meru, regarded in ancient Indian cosmology as the abode of the gods and the center of the universe (Prematilleke, 1990).

Architectural Characteristics

The monument presently rises to a height of approximately 16.15 meters (53 feet). Its base originally measured about 9.91 meters per side, square (32 feet 6 inches). Each of its tiers incorporates an arched niche designed to house a divinity or sacred image. The ground story was pierced by vaulted openings; however, the presence of continuous moldings indicates that only a single functional entrance existed, located on the western side (Prematilleke, 1990).

Unlike secular palatial structures, the building exhibits the massiveness of a dagoba, containing only a tunnel-like circular passage within the basement (Geiger & Rickmers, 1815/1929). The architectural style is clearly foreign in origin. Scholars have drawn parallels with the prasat shrines of Cambodia, the seven-storied temples of Assyria, and the Thai stupas of Vat Kukut (Prematilleke, 1990).

Folklore and Interpretation

The designation Satmahal Prasada refers to its seven superimposed tiers. Its stepped pyramidal configuration is frequently associated with Mahayana influence, as similar forms are common in countries such as Thailand and China but rare in traditional Sri Lankan architectural practice. Some historians have advanced the view that the monument was constructed specifically to serve Cambodian mercenaries in the employ of the Sinhalese monarchy (Rowland, 1953).

References

Burrows, S. M. (1894). The Buried Cities of Ceylon: A Guide Book to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa : with Chapters on Dambulla, Kalawewa, Mihintale, and Sigiri (2nd ed.). A.M. & J. Ferguson. (Original work published 1885)
Geiger, W., & Rickmers, C. M. (1929). Culavamsa Being The More Recent Part Of The Mahavamsa: Vol. Part II–II. Pali Text Society. (Original work published 1815)
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, 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 : Achitechture (1st ed., Vols. 3–4, pp. 35–70). Department of Archaeology, Sri Lanka.
Rowland, B. (1953). Art and Architecture of India: Buddhist – Hindu – Jain (1st ed.). Penguin Books Ltd.

Also See

Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com

before restoration – photo taken on late 1800′s or early 1900′s

Map of Sathmahal Prasada (Seven Storied Palace) at Polonnaruwa

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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.