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Photo By : Denis A.
Thivanka Pilimage was built by King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) as part of the Jethavanarama Complex. Since the large image of Buddha has been curved in 3 places, this has been given the name “Thivanka” which literally means three curves. Like most other structures of this era, this is also built with bricks including the statue.
The Buddha statue at the Thivanka Pilimage is about 8 meters in height but today the part of the statue above the head has been destroyed. The statue as of today is 6.6 metres tall. The building is 133 feet long and 67.6” feet wide. The walls are 7-12 feet thick making the internal size of the building much smaller.
The inside walls of the buildings have been decorated with frescoes showing the Jataka Stories (prior births of Buddha before enlightenment) although most of the masonry has been destroyed, the colourful drawings can be still seen on the areas where the masonry is intact. The entrance to the building consists of two guard stones and two “Korawak Gala”
The outer restoration of this image house has been carried out at a snail’s pace for the last 15 years and has been covered with shuttering throughout this period.
Alternative names: Thivanka Pilima Ge, Thivanka Pilimage, Tivanka Pilima Ge, Tivanka Pilimage, Thiwanka Pilima Ge, Thiwanka Pilimage
Also See
Map of Thivanka Pilimage at Ancient Capital of 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
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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 |