#Polonnaruwa

[sitting-on-me-bum]

A toque macaque sits in water eating flowers at a pilgrimage site in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. The species, a reddish-brown old world monkey, is endemic to the country, where it is known as rilewa or rilawa. It is named for the whorl of hair on its crown, which resembles a brimless toque cap.

Photograph: Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto/Rex/Shutterstock

[arinaborevich]

16.12.2023 | Big Buddha and tiny dog in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

[twofielder]

Coin of the Day #62 (7/5/2024)

Another one from the very diverse lot I got recently…

Kingdom of Polonnaruwa (Sinhalese Sri Lanka)

AE Massa - 20mm 4.14g

Lilavati 1197-1212 AD

Sri Lankan Mint

Obverse Seated figure with crossed legs

Reverse Sriraja Lilavati

Monkey god facing

[postcard-from-the-past]

Greetings from Polonnaruwa, Ceylon, Sri Lanka

British vintage postcard, mailed to Düsseldorf, Germany

[play-of-colors]

Polonnaruwa - Sri Lanka - Asia - 1993

[dknuth]

Old Capital Cities

The two old capital cities of Sri Lanka are about 2 hours from Sigiriya; Polonnaruwa is to the east, and Anuradhapura is to the Northwest.

Anuradhapura is the oldest, founded in the 4th century B.C., and the center of civilization for 1,200 years. The Cholas dynasty from India sacked it in 993. When the Cholas were defeated in 1056, the city was in ruins, and the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. It remained the capital until 1263, when it fell to another attack from India.

Thereafter, the capital would be in Kandy.

I see two main differences between the two cities.

Anuradhapura, being the oldest and thoroughly sacked and then abandoned, has fewer structures in good condition. It also dates to a time when it was considered improper to have images of the Buddha, and so Buddhist construction focused on more symbolic structures, specifically stupas. It has a number of large stupas in good condition and are still a focus of Buddhist worship today.

Polonnaruwa was founded over 1,200 years later, and much has changed. In particular, it was now acceptable to have images of the Buddha, many of which still exist. With statues and paintings of the Buddha abundant, stupas apparently had mainly gone out of favor, and there are many fewer of these huge structures. The ruins of the temples are much more recent and intact, so they are easier to understand.

We started by visiting Polonnaruwa. The ticket office is in the museum, so the visit starts there. Most of the statues are in poor condition or are fragments. What was particularly useful was the models of how some of the structures would have looked.

The first structure we investigated was a hybrid of a temple and a stupa: a large circular temple with a cone-shaped roof and a small stupa in the center.

Today it looks like this.

At the entrance is a Moonstone, a semicircular stone with rings of animals and plants, symbolizing the progression to nirvana. On either side are guardian figures. The Buddha in the center is visible from the entrance.

But there is a small stupa behind him.

It's a nice transition from the massive stupa to a temple with a figure while keeping a small stupa in the center.

Other temples took a variety of styles. This one is more like many Hindu temples. Since the structures were made of brick and plaster, fine details have disappeared. So it is impossible to say what it actually looked like.

Other temples have become mainly buildings for the protection of an image. Since many of the statues were made of brick and plaster, having a roof over them was important, especially in this climate. The failure of the roofs has caused great deterioration in the brick statues.

This temple had a corbeled vault for a roof, which held up better, but the large standing Buddha was free-standing and probably toppled at some point.

The best part of a visit to Polonnaruwa is the group of large Buddhas carved from a native stone wall at the location of the Gal Vihara Monastery.

To modern eyes, the veining of the stone adds to the beauty of the carvings, but originally, they would have been plastered and painted.

While they were in the open before the modern roof, from the remains of foundations it's evident that each statue originally sat in an image house.

As with many Buddhist images a lot is going on to the trained eye. The frame around the Buddha on the back wall has four small temples on it. The dragons coming out the sides of the frames have small creatures coming out of their mouths. But the symbology of all that is beyond me.

The other seated Buddha is back under an overhang and its setting is more elaborate.

It also still has the remains of the plaster and gold leaf. However, it has more modern protection from the weather to preserve it.

The next statue is a large standing Buddha. The veining of the stone is especially prominent on this statue. I have seen comments about the sculptors making sure the dark veins don't go across his eyes, but it would not have mattered to them as it was going to be plastered and painted.

The final statue is of the dying Buddha.

These statues were my primary interest in coming to Polonnaruwa.

There is also a large stupa here, but small image houses holding statues of the Buddha are all around the base.

The interior of an Image House.

The four quadrants of the stupa have modern cast metal seated Buddha statues, which I particularly liked.

With that, I will wrap up this post and cover Anuradhapura in the next one.

[outsidetaiwan]

��隆納魯沃古城 Polonnaruwa

Palace complex of King Nissankamalla

Roayal palace of King Maha Parakramabahu and King Vijayabahu the Great

The Sacred Quadrangle

Shiva Kovil No.2

[paramedicabroad]

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

In the heart of Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa stands as a beacon of the island's rich history and cultural legacy. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and timeless beauty. Let's journey through the remarkable history and splendor of Polonnaruwa.

Polonnaruwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th centuries. This period, known as the Polonnaruwa Period, is marked by significant advancements in art, architecture, and governance under the rule of great kings like Vijayabahu I, Parakramabahu I, and Nissankamalla.

At the heart of Polonnaruwa lies the Sacred Quadrangle, a compact group of stunning ruins that showcase the architectural brilliance of the era. The Vatadage, a circular relic house with intricate stone carvings, stands as a testament to the religious devotion and craftsmanship of the time.

One of the most iconic sites in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, a rock temple featuring four magnificent Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face. These statues, depicting the Buddha in various postures, are celebrated for their serene beauty and exquisite detail, capturing the essence of Buddhist art.

The ruins of King Parakramabahu's Royal Palace are a testament to the grandeur of Polonnaruwa's royal heritage. Once a massive structure with seven stories and over a thousand rooms, today, its remnants give a glimpse into the opulence of the past. Nearby, the Council Chamber, with its beautifully carved pillars, reflects the administrative prowess of the ancient rulers.

King Parakramabahu I's vision for Polonnaruwa extended beyond architecture to include advanced irrigation systems. The Parakrama Samudra, a vast artificial lake, exemplifies this ingenuity. Covering 2,500 hectares, it was designed to ensure a steady water supply for agriculture, reflecting the king's famous dictum, "Let not even a drop of rainwater go to the sea without benefiting man."

This impressive structure, with its towering brick walls and massive standing Buddha statue, offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient Polonnaruwa. The temple's grandeur and scale are awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit site for those exploring the city's religious heritage.

A significant monastic university complex, Alahana Pirivena includes stupas, image houses, and a hospital. This site highlights the importance of education, health, and religious practice in ancient Polonnaruwa, providing a holistic view of life during its peak.

Today, Polonnaruwa is not only a testament to Sri Lanka's glorious history but also a vibrant site where the past and present converge. Preservation efforts continue to maintain its historical integrity, ensuring that future generations can marvel at its splendor.

Walking through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa is like stepping back in time. The majestic ruins, serene statues, and ingenious waterworks offer a window into a bygone era of prosperity and piety. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to connect with the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka's past.🇱🇰🏛️☯️

[spaandwellness]

Rejuvenating and replenishing treatments

Experience the exotic spa treatments of the Hotel Sudu Araliya - full of the uniqueness that makes Sri Lanka special, and get the opportunity to pamper yourself in ways you couldn't have imagined.

[simplicius-simplicissimus]

Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Polonnaruwa

Daily Life

[arinaborevich]

16.12.2023 | Rice fields in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

[finer-things-blogs]

An enchanting oasis of hospitality!

Traditional elegance meets comfort at Hotel Sudu Araliya's cosy lounge retreat. Embrace the tranquil ambience as you step into the warm glow... 

[adlertours]

Polonnaruwa :Buddhist's Heritage

Polonnaruwa Kingdom Was Considering Inner Citadel, Outer Citadel, Monastery Area and Inner Monatery Area.Polonnaruva Is Medieval Capital of Sri Lanka. The Rulers of The Polonnaruwa Period Built Vast Irrigation. Reservoirs The Parakramsamundra “Sea of Parakrama” Built by The Greatest of The Polonnaruwa Kings.Parakrambahu 1. Polonnaruwa With Many Important Examples of Ancient Architecture,…

[pathum-xehara]

Polonnaruwa Watadageya Buddhist Temple

[todaytamilnews]

மனம்பிடிய பேருந்து விபத்து - கிழக்கு ஆளுநர் விடுத்துள்ள பணிப்புரை!

பொலன்னறுவை – கதுருவெல பகுதியிலிருந்து காத்தான்குடிக்கு சென்ற பேருந்தொன்று மனம்பிடிய பகுதியில் நேற்று விபத்திற்குள்ளாகியுள்ளது. கிழக்கு மாகாணத்தைச் சேர்ந்த பயணிகள் அதிகமானோர் பயணித்த இப்பேருந்து பொலன்னறுவை மாவட்டத்தில் விபத்துக்குள்ளாகியுள்ள நிலையில், கிழக்கு மாகாண ஆளுநர் செந்தில் தொண்டமான், போக்குவரத்து அதிகாரசபை பணிப்பாளரை விபத்து இடம்பெற்ற இடத்திற்கு விரைந்து சென்று, விபத்து குறித்து ஆய்வு…