Cities

Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the kingdom’s first rulers. Some of the finest collections of Buddhist sculpture can be seen at Galvihara (Rock Monastery) in Polonnaruwa. Polonaruwa is known for its large rock cut images, which have been preserved perfectly over the many centuries. The unique set of statues cut out from a single granite wall with supreme esteem. The Samadhi image Buddha is in deep meditaion sitting on a seat adorned with lions and thunderbolts. There is a halo round his head.

The standing Buddha with hands placed across the chest – rather rare pose- is believed to be portraying how He spent the second week after Enlightenment. The statue is 23 feet high. The 46 foot long reclining Buddha is a perfect piece of art showing Him in the state of ‘parinirvana’. Polonnaruwa is the 2nd largest city in north central province. The first Sri Lankan King who lived in Polonnaruwa Aggabodhi IV, and the town came gradually to become the ‘Country Residence’ of royalty.

One recent scientific observation is that of its climate changes. Historically Polonnaruwa had a tropical climate most of the year, although it was occationally chilly in December and January. But in recent years rain and chilliness has been increased noticeably.

The greeny environment, amazing ancient constructions, the greatest of these systems is the Parakrama Samudraya (a huge lake built in 1200 A.C.), or the sea of Parakrama, a tank so vast that it is often mistaken for the ocean. King Parakramabahu raised Polonnaruwa to its heights. He erected huge buildings, drained swamps and planted vast areas with crops; planned beautiful parks and created wildlife sanctuaries. Parakramabahu was the last great king of Sri Lanka.

Things to do in Polonnaruwa

• Visit the ancient ruins and monuments
  • The Gal Vihara
  • The Polonnaruwa Vatadage
  • The Lankathilaka Image House
  • The Sandakada Pahana
  • The Somawathiya Chaitya
  • The Statue of Parakramabahu I
  • The Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
• Take a safari to Wasgamuwa National Park
• Visit the  archaeological museum

 

Mihintale is a mountain peak near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka. It is a place that holds much significance to Buddhists especially during the month of Poson (June) as Buddhism is said to have been brought to Sri Lanka on a Poson Poya day and Mihintale was where it all began.
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It is on this rock that the historic meeting between King Devanampiyatissa and Arahath Mahinda, the son of Emperor Asoka of India, is said to have taken place in 247 BC.
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This meeting led to the King converting to Buddhism and the establishment and growth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Leading to the top of the rock are 1840 granite steps. Among the many attractions for the visitor at Mihintale are the monks’ refectory (dining room) and relic house which on the second landing on the stairs.
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Here you will find two stone slabs which are known as the Mihintale tables, which are inscribed with rules laid down for the monks and the servants of the monastery. The assembly hall for the monks is located close by on the same level.

Among the many dagobas at Mihintale, one of the largest is Mahaseya Dagoba, which is thought to house the sacred relics of Arahath Mahinda.

On the slope is the cave known as Mihindu Guhawa (Mahinda’s Cave) where Arahath Mahinda is said to have lived until he died in 200 BC. The Aradhana Gala or meditation rock is another site.

At the foot of the mountain are the ruins of an ancient hospital and other buildings. The hospital is believed to have consisted of many rooms. There is a beheth oruwa (medicine boat), the interior of which is carved in the shape of a human form, to facilitate a human to lie inside while being immersed in healing oils.

The nearby museum now houses the clay urns and grinding stones used to store and prepare medicines, which had been unearthed. The museum also displays a replica of the interior of an eighth century dagoba, a ninth century gold-plated ola leaf manuscript, pottery fragments from China and Persia, bronze figurines and fragments of frescoes.

Among the many ponds in Mihintale are the Sinha Pokuna (lion pond), Naga Pokuna (cobra pond) and Kaludiya Pokuna (dark water pond).

Things to do in Mihintale

• Visit the Mihintale temple
• Visit the Aradhana Gala
• Visit the Ambasthale Dagoba
• Visit the Mahaseya Dagoba
• Visit the Sinha Pokuna (lion pond)
• Visit the Naga Pokuna (cobra pond)
• Visit the Kaludiya Pokuna (dark water pond)