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In a hasty official visit to Polonnaruwa recently, I made an even more speedy call to the infamous ruins of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Sadly some of the macro pictures were lost in confusion. Promising myself to make a more productive visit photographically, I offer this for the time being.

Polonnaruwa was the second Kingdom of unified Sri Lanka under King Vijayabahu I (1055-1110) who restored the Island from Chola rule. The two other powerful kings who reigned during the Pollonnaruwa Kingdom were Parakramabahu I (1153-86) and Nissanka Malla (1187-96). The Kingdom ended in 1255. During the periods of these three powerful kings there were vast developments in administration, irrigation in the dry zone, construction and architecture. However periodic invasions from south India destroyed most of the architectural marvels and the way of life, from which the Island never fully recovered.

Ruins of Polonnaruwa are what remains of the entrance to the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu to remind us of the glory that once was.

The statue of the Lord Buddha graces the Royal grounds.

A Noble personality in stone. Scholars believe that this is either a sage (Kapila or Pulasthi) else the great King Parakramabahu. Although none have been confirmed, this statue is an icon of Polonnaruwa situated in Pothgul Viharaya.

They live here now, and they live peacefully, which is a blessing. But one must remember not to be too friendly with our cousins, lest they become aggressive. Offering food should be avoided for the benefit of both parties.

To be continued..

References:
A History of Sri Lanka – K. M. de Silva
The Glory of Ancient Polonnaruwa – Jayasinghe Balasooriya

Contributors, Culture, Explorer, Facts, Nilu Rajapakse, Places

As one of our journeys in exploring Sri Lanka, my beautiful motherland we planned a visit to the Anuradhapura cultural triangle, Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary and Sigiriya Rock fortress. When we left Minneriya National park, the next stop was Sigiriya. At that point one of my friends came up with this idea of visiting Pidurangala, an ancient Buddhist monastery dated back to same age of Sigiriya rock fortress. Since Sigiriya is frequently visited and Pidurangala is a place yet to be explored we picked Pidurangala over Sigiriya.

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Pidurangala is located one kilometer form Sigiriya. It is said to be the temple of the kingdom of Sigiriya. Even though authorities and visitors payed numerous attention to Sigiriya, Pidurangala has been, fortunately or unfortunately, overlooked. Only few dozen of visitors to Sigiriya visits this wonderful Buddhist cave temple. I heard that the name “Pidurangala” was created by Pidu + Ran + Gala, which means “worshiped golden rock”. It has also been noted the flowers carried by the maidens depicted in the Sigiriya frescoes face the Buddha image at Pidurangala, giving the impression that they were making their way to Pidurangala.

There is a Buddhist monastery at the bottom of 200m high Pidurangala.

Piduranhala Buddhist monastery – Entrance to Budumadura

Pidurangala Buddhist Monastery – Budumadura

From a side of Budumadura there is a small path through the forest up to the rock. The path to Buddha statue and mediation caves has been repaired recently into steps now. Even though it is so hot in day time during this season, when we enter in to forest area, it is a cooler atmosphere there. Farther up in the path there are ruins of about 6-7 meditation caves.

Path through rocks – Pidurangala

Farther above there is a reclining Buddha statue. It is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues created with bricks and mortar. Head and chest area of this wonderful creation has been dug by treasure thieves and repaired lately. But the top mortar layer has not been replaced.

Reclining Buddha statue – Pidurangala

There is no path beyond this statue, but through rocks you can climb up to the summit of the rock. Path is difficult but manageable (Not recommended for elder people or children). At the summit you can see beautiful Sigiriya Fortress.

Sigiriya rock to top of Pidurangala

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sunset at Pidurangala

Contributors, Culture, Danushka Senadheera, History, Icons, Places, Travel, Wildlife Buddha Statues, Cave temples, Pidurangala, rock temples, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka