Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

This group of valuable Buddha statues probably marks the highest point of the Sinhalese rock sculpture. Moreover, The Gal Vihara is part of the northern monastery of Parakramabahu I; also consists of four distinct figures, each derived from a single long granite slab. Originally each of them was enclosed by a fence. However, the standing Buddha is 7 m tall, and for many, it is the most beautiful statue of the group. The unusual crossed posture of the arms and the pained expression of the face led to believe that it was Ananda; a disciple of the Buddha; who mourns the departure of the master for nirvana (also because next to it there is a statue of the reclining Buddha).

Since the icon was inside a separate fence and since other figures were discovered with the arms in the same position; this theory is now discredited, and today it is believed that all the statues depict the Buddha. The reclining Buddha, Buddha depicted entering Parinirvana (nirvana-after-death) is 14m long. Notice the subtle depression in the pillow under the head and the symbols of the lotus symbols on the pillow end and on the soles of Buddha’s feet. The other two statues both represent the seated Buddha. The sculptures bring out the marvellous natural marbled effect of the rock; the one in the narrow rocky cavity is smaller and of lower quality.

Built by Parakramabahu I and subsequently restored by order of Vijayabahu IV, the Lankatilaka is one of the most striking buildings of Polonnaruwa. The large hedge has 17 m high walls, but the roof has now collapsed. The central nave, similar to that of a cathedral, leads to a giant standing Buddha (without ahead). The faithful who burn incense, the columns and the arches of the structure create a very suggestive mystical atmosphere.

Reachable with a short walk from the Royal Palace group in a northerly direction, the Quadrilateral area (Quadrangle in English) is precisely what the name indicates: a compact group of fascinating ruins placed on a raised platform, surrounded by a wall. Among the ancient cities of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is the one with the highest concentration of buildings – a real paradise for archaeologists. It is probable that over time the structures of the Atadage, Vatadage and Hatadage, built by various sovereigns in succession as a sign of devotion, took turns to host the relic of the sacred tooth of the Buddha.
In addition to the main ruins, take a look also at the house of the reclining statue, the chapter house, the bodhisattva temple and the bodhi tree temple.

Rankot Vihara’s dagoba, which at 54 m is the largest in Polonnaruwa and the fourth in Sri Lanka, was attributed to the reign of Nissanka Malla. As in many other essential sanctuaries of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the dome consists of a dam covered with a layer of bricks and concrete. The building is a blatant imitation of the Anuradhapura style. Among the ruins of a 12th-century hospital located nearby, some surgical instruments have been found that are surprisingly similar to those used today; some examples are kept at the Archeological Museum.