Potgul Vihara - The Sage

Potgul Vihara is the modern name by which the southern monastery in Polonnaruwa is known, but it's ancient name has not been established. The superb sculpture, which introduces the art of Polonnaruwa to the visitor, is also mysterious. It is generally considered to be a representation of Parakramabahu the Great. Other opinions however, identify the figure as that of a sage. Whoever that it may represent, the sculpture is one of the great masterpieces of Sri Lankan art.

Potgul Vihara - The Monastery

Potgul Vihara Monastery lies about a hundred yards to the South of the rock sculpture. It is a unique monastery. It is believed, that this was built by King Parakramabahu, as mentioned in the chronicle, " for listening to the birth stories of the Great Sage, which were related by a teacher" . Today, if you enter the round room, which is plastered, the acoustics are still excellent, even though the roof has collapsed.

Parakrama Samudra

One of the most striking features in Polonnaruwa is the vast Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakramabahu), an irrigation tank built, as the name indicates by King Parakramabahu the Great. This was his largest irrigation project and covers an area of more than 15 Km2.The dam (or bund, as it is known in Sri Lanka, is almost 14 Km long and 12 metres high.
The Dipuyyana (Island Garden) is on the promontory by the rest house. When King Parakramabahu had built his vast lake, he selected this lovely spot for a royal garden. Later King Nissankamalla liked it so much that he built his palace and council chambers there.

Pabulu Vehera

To the east is the softly rounded dagoba. the Pabulu Vehera or Coral Shrine. It is said to have built by Rupavati, one of the queens of Parakramabahu. There are a number of Buddha images to dating from the later Polonnaruwa period to be seen around the dagoba.

Nissanka Lata Mandapaya

A very pretty pavilion, this floral altar in stone has pillars which simulate with rare grace, a lotus on a stalk. This is a sacred hall of unknown purpose, and it was built by Nissankamalla. In the centre of the building is a small model dagaba, with worshippers sculptured around the base.

Lotus Bath

A pretty rook-cut pool shaped like a stylised lotus, constructed in diminishing concentric lamina, built by Nissankamalla.

Lankathilake - The Image House

The walls of the majestic Lankathilake even now stand 55 ft. high. In the 12th century, it was one of the most splendid of Buddhist Shrines in Asia. Lankathilake (the ornament of Lanka), was built by Parakramabahu I. The vast standing Buddha inside the shrine was originally about 41 feet (13 metres) with it's base, but sadly only its torso now stands.
The brickwork of the building is of extraordinary variety, from the massive bricks which support the weight of the building, to the tiny, delicately molded bricks of the architectural details. The building must have been immense, and even today it is the most impressive ruin of the ancient city.