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Isolated from the cluster of ruins of the ancient Polonnaruwa kingdom, the ruins of Siva Kovil No. 4 lies 1 km before the turn off to the entrance to the ancient citadel of Polonnaruwa traveling from Giritale. The kovil is today trapped between 2 roads, the main Giritale road Hingurakgoda Road. The ruins are visible from both roads, but accessible only through the Hingurakgoda road.
It is believed that this Siva Kovil has been built during the period of South Indian Chola invaders who ruled from Polonnaruwa (1017-1070) or on the 13th century. Only the stone pillars of this temple remains today. In addition, there is a simple moonstone carved with lotus petals in excellent condition.
However an 56.5 cm high bronze statue of goddess Parvati has been discovered from this site and now lies in the Colombo National Museum. This statue of Goddess Parvathi, the consort of Siva holds a lotus bud in her right hand and the left holds down showing the posture of lolahastha. The goddess stands in a relaxed posture dressed in a half dhoti usual to a dress of a female goddess of the period and wears a conical crown. (karandamakuta). On her body she wears necklace’s, armlets, bracelets and anklets. This sculpture is said to represent one of the best representations of goddess Parvathi indicating a meditative mood with half closed eyes and a faint smile.
Hindu Shrines Discovered in the Ancient Polonnaruwa Kingdom
- Siva Kovil No. 1
- Siva Kovil No. 2
- Siva Kovil No. 3
- Siva Kovil No. 4
- Siva Kovil No. 5 (Naipena Viharaya)
- Siva Kovil No. 7
- Vishnu Kovil No. 2
- Vishnu Kovil No. 3
- Vishnu Kovil No. 4 (Naipena Viharaya)
- Ganesh Kovil
References
- Silva, R. et al. (2007) History and Archaeology of Sri Lanka Volume II – The Art and Archaeology of Sri Lanka I – . Padukka, Sri Lanka: Central Cultural Fund.
Also See
Map
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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 |