After the decline of the Anuradhapura kingdom, Polonnaruwa was chosen as the kingdom and lasted from the 11th century to the 13th century.
There is evidence that Polonnaruwa was a prosperous city even during the Anuradhapura era from the inscriptions dated to the 1st century AD inscribed in a cave called Gopala Pabbata.
During some foreign invasions of Anuradhapura, the kings of that time used Polonnaruwa as a temporary kingdom.
Despite being in a dry area, Polonnaruwa, which has a green environment, can be called a museum of ancient ruins of the past.
Polonnaru Kingdom, which was protected by nature, is divided into two parts, the city and the outer city.The inner city is surrounded by a large brick wall with gates and watchtowers. Polonnaru city consists of buildings with unique architectural features and large-scale irrigation constructions. A great revival of Sinhala literature is seen in the Polonnaru era and the ruins of Dharma education and schools, which were a great help for that, can be seen in the old town of Polonnaru.
The proofs that Polonnaru city was maintained as a beautiful city during the reign of King Parakramabahu and King Nishankamalla can be seen even now. In 1982, Unesco named this city as a World Heritage City because of its archaeological importance and ancient techniques. This beautiful city was used to shoot the video for Duran Duran’s song Save a Prayer in 1982.
With attractive hotels and hospitable people, Polonnaruwa is a must-visit destination for those who are passionate about historical and cultural places.
Some important places in Polonnaruwa
Nishankamalla Council
It has lost its artistry during conservation, but it can be considered as an important place because of the information about the government here. Here, when the king sits, the way the government officials should sit is recorded on the stone pillars. The king’s seat is shaped like a lion.
Parakumba Palace
The Parakumba royal palace is built on a square plot of 150×150 feet. It is mentioned in genealogies that there were a thousand rooms. Currently, the ruins of 55 rooms are visible.
Although this is a 7-storey building, only the remains of three floors can be seen at present. Holes where wood is used for floors are seen in the wall. The palace is protected by moats. The palace was supplied with water through pipes and sewage was also disposed of through pipes. The palace was burnt down during the Kalinga Maga period and fragments of melted bricks and pieces of ash can still be seen today. The buildings surrounding the palace may have housed queens, servants and guards.
Nisshanka Lata Mandapaya
It was from here that King Nisshankamalla worshiped the Buddha. In the center is a stone stupa on a stone plinth. This can be described as a precious design that shows the genius of Sinhalese architecture. There are 8 stone pillars decorated with ornate carvings and the heads of the pillars are surmounted by an elaborate lotus.
Moonstone of Polonnaruwa: A Symbol of Sri Lankan Artistry and Spirituality
The moonstone, known locally as “Sandakada Pahana,” is an intricate and symbolic stone carving found at the entrances of ancient Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. Among the most notable examples of these moonstones are those found in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Polonnaruwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 13th centuries and is home to many of the island’s finest architectural and artistic creations, including some of the most beautifully crafted moonstones.
A moonstone is a semi-circular slab of stone, intricately carved with layers of symbolic patterns, placed at the foot of temple staircases. Its design is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and represents the journey towards enlightenment. The carvings are arranged in concentric bands, each symbolizing different aspects of life and spirituality, guiding those who step upon it toward a spiritual journey.
Moonstones are a significant element of Sri Lankan architecture, dating back to the Anuradhapura period, but they reached a new level of artistic refinement during the Polonnaruwa era. During this time, the craftsmen of Polonnaruwa took inspiration from earlier designs but added their unique interpretations and enhanced the complexity of the carvings.
In the moonstones of Polonnaruwa, we see a more stylized approach with elegant, symmetrical patterns and sharper detailing. The use of animal figures, floral motifs, and geometric patterns illustrates the artistic evolution during this period. These moonstones were not merely ornamental but held deep spiritual meaning, embodying the teachings of Buddhism.
The moonstones of Polonnaruwa are renowned for their artistic excellence. Unlike those from the earlier Anuradhapura period, the Polonnaruwa moonstones are more refined and balanced in design. The carvings are less ornate but more focused on symmetry and clarity, reflecting the philosophical shift towards a more contemplative and serene approach to Buddhist art during this period.
One of the most famous moonstones in Polonnaruwa can be found at the Vatadage, an ancient circular relic house. The moonstone here is considered a masterpiece of Sri Lankan art, with delicate and intricate carvings that exhibit the height of the stone-carving skill during the Polonnaruwa era. This moonstone, like others in the city, is a visual representation of the blend of artistry and spiritual symbolism that defines Sri Lanka’s ancient architecture.
The moonstone was not merely a decorative piece but held spiritual significance for those who visited the temples. Stepping over the moonstone was seen as a symbolic act of entering a sacred space, leaving behind the attachments of the material world and preparing oneself for spiritual practice. The design guided the faithful, both literally and metaphorically, from worldly distractions toward the calm and peace of the temple interior, representing the journey toward inner peace and enlightenment.
Today, the moonstones of Polonnaruwa are celebrated as cultural treasures, embodying the rich artistic and religious heritage of Sri Lanka. They stand as a testament to the skill and devotion of the artisans who created them and the deep spiritual values that shaped Sri Lankan society during ancient times. For visitors to Polonnaruwa, the moonstone is not just an artistic relic but a doorway into the past, offering insight into the cultural and religious practices of an ancient civilization.
Gal Potha (Stone Book) of Polonnaruwa
Gal Potha, or the “Stone Book,” is one of the most remarkable and unique monuments in Sri Lanka’s ancient city of Polonnaruwa. This large stone inscription, carved into a massive slab of granite, stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Gal Potha is not only a marvel of ancient stonecraft but also a vital record of the achievements of King Nissanka Malla (1187–1196 CE), under whose reign this masterpiece was created.
Located near the famous Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Gal Potha is a must-see for those exploring the ancient wonders of Sri Lanka.
Gal Potha literally translates to “Stone Book” in Sinhala, and it is an apt description for this large slab of rock, which resembles a palm-leaf manuscript used in ancient Sri Lanka. The stone measures about 8.2 meters in length, 1.4 meters in width, and 66 centimeters in thickness. Carved into the surface of this giant slab are more than 4,000 characters, inscribed in the ancient Sinhala script. This massive inscription records the deeds, reforms, and royal proclamations of King Nissanka Malla, glorifying his reign and contributions to the prosperity and unity of the island.
The period during which Gal Potha was created was marked by political and social transformations. King Nissanka Malla was a ruler of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom and is known for his efforts to consolidate power and legitimize his rule over Sri Lanka. One of the ways he sought to establish his authority was through monumental inscriptions like Gal Potha, which emphasized his lineage, military victories, religious devotion, and efforts to maintain peace and prosperity in the kingdom.
Polonnaruwa, the capital city during Nissanka Malla’s reign, was an important center of culture, religion, and governance. The city was adorned with magnificent stupas, temples, statues, and other grand structures that reflected the zenith of Sri Lankan civilization during this era. Gal Potha, as part of this grand landscape, was not just a historical document but a symbol of royal authority and the ruler’s divine right to govern.