Polonnaruwa An Ancient City Rich in History and Heritage
Sri Lanka is home to many ancient cities that speak volumes about the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Among these, Polonnaruwa stands as one of the most remarkable, representing the grandeur of the island’s past. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa is the second-most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore its impressive ruins and learn about the country’s fascinating history.
Sri Lanka is home to many ancient cities that speak volumes about the island’s rich history and cultural heritage. Among these, Polonnaruwa stands as one of the most remarkable, representing the grandeur of the island’s past. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Polonnaruwa is the second-most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka, flourishing between the 11th and 13th centuries. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to explore its impressive ruins and learn about the country’s fascinating history.
A Glimpse into Polonnaruwa's History
Polonnaruwa became the capital of Sri Lanka after the fall of Anuradhapura in the late 10th century. It was during the reign of King Vijayabahu I that Polonnaruwa rose to prominence. After successfully expelling the South Indian Chola invaders, King Vijayabahu declared Polonnaruwa as the capital, bringing about an era of prosperity. However, the golden age of Polonnaruwa came under the rule of King Parakramabahu I, who is regarded as one of the most accomplished monarchs of ancient Sri Lanka.King Parakramabahu I, who ruled from 1153 to 1186, transformed Polonnaruwa into a flourishing city with advanced irrigation systems, agricultural development, and grand architectural achievements. His philosophy of “not letting a single drop of water go to the sea without being used” is legendary, showcasing his dedication to maximizing the island’s natural resources.After his reign, Polonnaruwa began to decline gradually, especially with the invasions from the South Indian Kingdoms. Despite this, the city remained significant in Sri Lanka’s history, and its ruins continue to tell the tale of a once-great civilization.
Polonnaruwa became the capital of Sri Lanka after the fall of Anuradhapura in the late 10th century. It was during the reign of King Vijayabahu I that Polonnaruwa rose to prominence. After successfully expelling the South Indian Chola invaders, King Vijayabahu declared Polonnaruwa as the capital, bringing about an era of prosperity. However, the golden age of Polonnaruwa came under the rule of King Parakramabahu I, who is regarded as one of the most accomplished monarchs of ancient Sri Lanka.
King Parakramabahu I, who ruled from 1153 to 1186, transformed Polonnaruwa into a flourishing city with advanced irrigation systems, agricultural development, and grand architectural achievements. His philosophy of “not letting a single drop of water go to the sea without being used” is legendary, showcasing his dedication to maximizing the island’s natural resources.
After his reign, Polonnaruwa began to decline gradually, especially with the invasions from the South Indian Kingdoms. Despite this, the city remained significant in Sri Lanka’s history, and its ruins continue to tell the tale of a once-great civilization.
Architectural Marvels of Polonnaruwa
1. Royal Palace Complex
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I is one of the most impressive ruins in Polonnaruwa. The palace is believed to have been a seven-story structure, though today only its foundations and part of the walls remain. This majestic building once housed the king’s royal court and other important administrative offices. Adjacent to the palace are the Audience Hall and the Kumara Pokuna, a bathing pool used by the royal family.
The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu I is one of the most impressive ruins in Polonnaruwa. The palace is believed to have been a seven-story structure, though today only its foundations and part of the walls remain. This majestic building once housed the king’s royal court and other important administrative offices. Adjacent to the palace are the Audience Hall and the Kumara Pokuna, a bathing pool used by the royal family.
2. Gal Viharaya
One of the most iconic sites in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Viharaya, a series of rock-cut Buddha statues that represent the pinnacle of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. The Gal Viharaya consists of four statues: a seated Buddha, a standing Buddha, and two reclining Buddhas, all carved from a single granite rock face. These statues are renowned for their detailed craftsmanship, serene expressions, and spiritual significance.
One of the most iconic sites in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Viharaya, a series of rock-cut Buddha statues that represent the pinnacle of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. The Gal Viharaya consists of four statues: a seated Buddha, a standing Buddha, and two reclining Buddhas, all carved from a single granite rock face. These statues are renowned for their detailed craftsmanship, serene expressions, and spiritual significance.
3. Vatadage
The Vatadage is another fascinating structure in Polonnaruwa, built to house a sacred relic. This circular relic house is an architectural wonder, featuring intricate stone carvings, elaborate moonstones at the entrance, and beautifully designed guardstones. The Vatadage is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture.
The Vatadage is another fascinating structure in Polonnaruwa, built to house a sacred relic. This circular relic house is an architectural wonder, featuring intricate stone carvings, elaborate moonstones at the entrance, and beautifully designed guardstones. The Vatadage is considered one of the finest examples of ancient Sri Lankan Buddhist architecture.
4. Rankoth Vehera
Rankoth Vehera is the largest dagoba (stupa) in Polonnaruwa and was constructed during the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Standing at 55 meters tall, it is a monumental structure, built to house sacred relics and serve as a center of worship. The stupa’s simplicity and size make it an awe-inspiring sight and a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka.
Rankoth Vehera is the largest dagoba (stupa) in Polonnaruwa and was constructed during the reign of King Nissanka Malla. Standing at 55 meters tall, it is a monumental structure, built to house sacred relics and serve as a center of worship. The stupa’s simplicity and size make it an awe-inspiring sight and a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lanka.
5. Parakrama Samudraya
Polonnaruwa’s advanced irrigation system is best exemplified by the Parakrama Samudraya, an enormous reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. Spanning an area of over 2,500 hectares, this man-made lake was crucial for the irrigation of agricultural lands in the kingdom. The reservoir not only demonstrates the engineering skills of the ancient Sinhalese but also highlights the importance of water management in sustaining a thriving civilization.
Polonnaruwa’s advanced irrigation system is best exemplified by the Parakrama Samudraya, an enormous reservoir built by King Parakramabahu I. Spanning an area of over 2,500 hectares, this man-made lake was crucial for the irrigation of agricultural lands in the kingdom. The reservoir not only demonstrates the engineering skills of the ancient Sinhalese but also highlights the importance of water management in sustaining a thriving civilization.
The Significance of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lankan Culture
Polonnaruwa is more than just an archaeological site; it is a testament to Sri Lanka’s golden age of civilization. The city’s ruins tell the story of an advanced society that excelled in architecture, engineering, and art. The Buddhist monuments and sculptures also reveal the spiritual and religious life of the people, who placed immense importance on their faith.
Polonnaruwa was a hub of learning and culture during its peak, with monks and scholars gathering to study Buddhist teachings and texts. The city’s monasteries, temples, and libraries played a central role in preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. Even today, Polonnaruwa remains a revered site for Buddhists, who visit the city to pay homage to its sacred monuments.
Polonnaruwa was a hub of learning and culture during its peak, with monks and scholars gathering to study Buddhist teachings and texts. The city’s monasteries, temples, and libraries played a central role in preserving and spreading the teachings of the Buddha. Even today, Polonnaruwa remains a revered site for Buddhists, who visit the city to pay homage to its sacred monuments.
Polonnaruwa as a Modern Tourist Destination
Today, Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the ancient city’s ruins on foot or by bicycle, as the sites are spread out over a large area. The well-preserved nature of the ruins, combined with the serene atmosphere of the surroundings, creates a unique experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in history.In addition to the archaeological sites, Polonnaruwa is also home to a rich natural environment. The Parakrama Samudraya and the surrounding greenery provide opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy birdwatching and boat rides. The nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks offer the chance to observe wildlife, including the famous gathering of elephants at Minneriya.
Today, Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors can explore the ancient city’s ruins on foot or by bicycle, as the sites are spread out over a large area. The well-preserved nature of the ruins, combined with the serene atmosphere of the surroundings, creates a unique experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in history.
In addition to the archaeological sites, Polonnaruwa is also home to a rich natural environment. The Parakrama Samudraya and the surrounding greenery provide opportunities for nature lovers to enjoy birdwatching and boat rides. The nearby Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks offer the chance to observe wildlife, including the famous gathering of elephants at Minneriya.
Conclusion
Polonnaruwa is an ancient city that continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, remarkable architecture, and spiritual significance. As one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural heritage sites, it stands as a reminder of the island’s glorious past and its people’s achievements. For those interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient civilizations, Polonnaruwa offers a window into the world of kings, monks, and master craftsmen who shaped the country’s history. A visit to Polonnaruwa is not only a journey through time but also an opportunity to appreciate the enduring legacy of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Last Update in 2024-09-29
Polonnaruwa is an ancient city that continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, remarkable architecture, and spiritual significance. As one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural heritage sites, it stands as a reminder of the island’s glorious past and its people’s achievements. For those interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient civilizations, Polonnaruwa offers a window into the world of kings, monks, and master craftsmen who shaped the country’s history. A visit to Polonnaruwa is not only a journey through time but also an opportunity to appreciate the enduring legacy of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Last Update in 2024-09-29
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