Sathmahal Prasadaya (Seven Storied Palace) – සත්මහල් ප්රාසාදය
This pyramid-shaped, seven storied building called Sathmahal Prasadaya is thought to be an unusually shaped stupa built during the Polonnaruwa Period (11th -13th century).
There are 4 known square shaped stupa’s in Sri Lanka. The most popular is the Sathmahal Prasadaya. The rest of the 3 stupas can be found in the ancient Anuradhapura kingdom which are rarely visited by the pilgrims. One of these stupa’s is Nakha Vehera. The other 2 belongs to the Abhayagiriya Monastic Complex. One of them is known as Indikatu Seya (aka Prasada Stupa). The other lies west of Eth Pokuna on the western border of the Abhayagiri Monastery.
It is said that similar Stupa’s to Sathmahal Prasadaya can be seen in Cambodia and in Siam. It is thought this has been built for the Cambodian soldiers who were working under the king as place of worship. The building has four entrances from four sides. Also there is stair case to reach the upper levels. The person who built it, the original name of it or the purpose is still a mystery.
This is made out of brick and is over 30 feet (9 meters) in height. This structure is located inside the Dalada Maluwa of the Ancient city of Polonnaruwa
Also See
Photos before restoration from www.imagesofceylon.com
Map of Sathmahal Prasada (Seven Storied Palace) at 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
Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.
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 |
kw : “satmahal prasada” , “sat mahal prasada” “sathmahal prasada” “sath mahal prasada”
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