The Nelum Pokuna, or Lotus Bath, in Polonnaruwa is an architectural masterpiece of the 12th century, attributed to King Parakramabahu I. This granite structure is a literal “blossom in stone,” designed with exceptional precision to serve the monks of the Jetavana Vihara.
Gal Viharaya of Polonnaruwa is a magnificent group of statues of Buddha carved in a rock built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) which was part of the Uthararama Complex.
Polonnaruwa Lankathilaka Image House is a monolithic Buddha image house built by king Parakramabahu (1153-1186) lying on the South of Kiri Vehera.
Menik Vehera Aramaic complex of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom is believed to be built on the 8th century. There are indications that some additions to this complex have been made at later stages.
Passing the Vishnu Kovil 2, on the main root you come to the Eastern Entrance to the inner city of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. The inner city has been protected by a massive wall where the soldiers patrolled on the top, and a moat.
These two Siva Kovil and the Ganesh Kovil is situated on the left side of the inner city entrance of the Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa.
This Vishnu Kovil is situated on the right side of the inner city entrance of the Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa. This kovil has been completely built with granite blocks but only the bottom portion of the building survives today.
This Siva Kovil (devalaya) is regarded as one of the oldest surviving structures from the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, having withstood the effects of time remarkably well. It is believed to have been constructed by Cola (Chola) invaders during the 10th century, when they initially established their capital in Polonnaruwa.
Atadage Dalada Maligaya is the house of the tooth relic of Buddha built by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This building is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor probably made out of wood.
The life-size 12th-century statue at Dalada Maluwa is identified as either a Bodhisattva or a royal, such as King Duṭugemuṇu. Sculpted with a bare torso and intricate regalia, its rigid form marks the transition from delicate Anurādhapura artistry to the powerful, vigorous style of the Polonnaruwa era.
Dalada Maluwa is an elevated area in the Polonnaruwa Sacred City which many Buddhist buildings are situated. The Entrance to the Dalada Maluwa is through stone steps. Left to these steps is a stone slab with 3 carved figures, A man pointing towards the Dalada Maluwa, a crow and a dog.
Siva Kovil (no. 1) is the first kovil you will come across after entering the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The walls of this kovil are made out of a closely fitted stone blocks of a type which is not found anywhere near Polonnaruwa.
Located in Polonnaruwa’s inner citadel, King Parakramabahu I’s 12th-century Vejayanta Pasada was a grand royal palace. Originally a seven-story complex with thick brick walls, it was destroyed by fire during foreign invasions, leaving massive surviving ruins.
Remains of palace of Nissanka Malla lies behind the current Polonnaruwa Rest House along with the Audience Hall of of King Nissanka Malla. This place has been probably built mainly with bricks during the reign of King Nissanka Malla (1187-1196) thus there is only very little of this palace complex remains.
Nissanga Malla Audience Hall is made of solid rock and probably held a wooden roof. The building has been held by 48 stone pillars laid in 4 rows. The throne is a massive lion carved in stone. “Throne of the King” is carved at the bottom of the lion figure.
This is a lonely multi storied building made out of bricks. The staircase is still intact. An important feature of this building is that it has no windows. Due to this feature it is also thought to be a tomb of King Nissanka Malla. The original plaster is still intact giving a glimpse of what the plastering of buildings looked like over 800 years ago.
According to the accounts in the ancient texts, Deepa Uyana or the Island Garden would have been like no other. A grand garden complex – maybe even grander that the Great Parakramabahu’s palace complex.
This 11½-foot carved rock statue near Parakrama Samudraya is traditionally identified as King Parakramabahu, though some scholars suggest it represents an Indian priest or sage like Agastya. Holding an ola leaf book, the aged, dignified figure exhibits remarkable craftsmanship with unique regional influences.
