COLOMBO TO POLONNARUWA..
| You travel a distance of 224 Km travelled in 1 day(s). You spend a total of 238 Minutes - 4 hour(s) 58 minutes(s) travelling in 1 day(s). | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Polonnaruwa
While Vijayabahu's victory and shifting of kingdoms to the more strategic Polonnaruwa is considered significant, the real "Hero of Polonnaruwa" of the history books is actually Parakramabahu I. It was his reign that is considered the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, when trade and agriculture flourished under the patronage of the king, who was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted, and each was to be used toward the development of the land; hence, irrigation systems that are far superior to those of the Anuradhapura Age were constructed during Parakramabahu's reign, systems which to this day supply the water necessary for paddy cultivation during the scorching dry season in the east of the country. The greatest of these systems, is the Parakrama Samudraya or the Sea of Parakrama. It is of such a width that it is impossible to stand upon one shore and view the other side, and it encircles the main city like a ribbon, being both a moat against intruders and the lifeline of the people in times of peace. The Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was completely self-sufficient during King Parakramabahu's reign.
One recent scientific observation is that of its climate changes: historically, Polonnaruwa had a tropical climate most of the year, although it was occasionally chilly in December and January. But in recent years the rain and chilliness has been increased noticeably. Although this is surprising to some people, it is more enjoyable for tourists. However, there is a setback, as paddy field farmers can suffer when there is too much rain.
Lankatilaka Vihara
Lankathila Viharaya is a Gedige type large image house build by king Parakramabahu the Great ( 1153- 1186 AD). The specialty in this structure is the two pylons at the entrance and the giant Buddha statue in side. This statue is 42 feet in height and building walls are 53 feet high.
You can see some evidence that there were some paintings in the interior . There are some sculptures out side with some south Indian influence. The The exterior wall designs pretend that this has five floors, and the carvings of gods meant that this is divine place.
Thuparama
This image house is one of the few buildings where you can see a roof completely made out of bricks. Almost the whole buiding as survived over 900 years miraculously. The roof is a semi-cylindrical in shape. The original name of this image house is not known; therefore the builder of this is also unknown. It is thought that this was built by a minister of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186) called Mahinda to house the tooth relic. Another belief is that this was built by king Vijayabahu I (1070-1110).
The walls of this building are about 7 feet (2 metres) thick and inside a large seating Buddha statue has been kept. Nothings remain of this statue today. It is said that the eyes of this Buddha statue was embedded with precious stones and the windows were designed in such a manner the sunlight would reflect on these stones and light the image house.
Gal Vihariya
Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya is one of the main attraction in Polonnaruwa. The name Uththararama means the temple by the north side. This was done by king Parakamabahu (year 1153 -1186) in Polonnaruwa Kingdom time.
This has two seating Buddha statues, one Standing statue and one statues in a Parinirvana Manchakaya. All the statues were done from a single huge granite rock.
Medirigiriya Vatadage
This beautiful Stupa house has been built before the time of Nissanga Malla (1187-1196) but he has carried out major renovations on this building. So what you see today is probably his work.
Te uniqueness of such buildings is that the Stupa is protected by a roof. Therefore Stupa’s in such buildings are small. Another beautiful Stupa house is situated in Madirigiriya few kilometres away from Polonnaruwa.
On the centre is a small Stupa and on the four sides, there are beautifully carved Buddha statues. These statues are different to what is normally found. The curly hair is not visible on the head. And the robe is also flat which is unusual. The roof has been supported by two rows of stone pillars around the Stupa. None of the pillars are visible today. But the pillars outside the walls are still intact.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
This building has been built by Nissanka Malla (1187-1196). The most important feature of this buiding is the shape and the carvings of the stone pillars. These pillars are carved in the shape of a lotus stork and are curved in three places.
Nelum Pokuna
The Pokuna or the baths found at Polonnaruwa are comparatively of modest dimensions.
The architecturally perfect Kumara pokuna found close to King Parakramabahu's palace, the pokuna found near the rest house and believed to be that of King Nissanka malla, the austere baths of the Alahana pirivena are some examples. Yet a jewel of the pokuna architecture lies hidden along the lonely road to the northern city, well away from the bus loads of pilgrims and tourists that crowd Polonnaruwa’s more famous quadrangle packed with ruins from different dynasties differing in architecture and style.
The Nelum pokuna or the Lotus bath is a small stone bath of completely unique design, built in tiers of eight petalled lotuses in descending form
No comments:
Post a Comment