How I See It

Polonnaruwa Gal viharaya

This 12th century marval is believed to be built by King Parakramabahu's architects. They excavated the shrines out of natural granite and left an in script describing their work.


Galvihara also known as Uttararamaya (Nothern Temple) is situated in Polonnaruwa, the ancient kingdom in north central Sri Lanka, founded by king Vijayabahu and refined to its excellence by Great Parakramabahu, Nissanka Malla and many others .Galviharaya is the central attraction amongst all the other remaining ruins.

Samadhi Statue

This statue is a real artistic creation showing Buddhas meditation posture. The seat Buddha has sat on is decorated with various fine carvings giving the expression that he meditates in a temple. Surrounding Granite shows some signs of previously existed shades/roffing to this shrine.

Standing Statue

This statue is we ft in height and stands on a lotus throne. Mostly owing to its rare posture of hands folded on the chest and expression of sorrow on the face some historians believe that this is a statue of Ananda thero, Buddhas closest disiple, weeping over Buddhas Parinirvana.
However historians disagree with this interpretation argue that this is indeed Buddha who is paying homage to the Bodhi tree in the 2nd week after the enlightenment. The finest details on Buddhas clothes and the body features gives us an idea about the talent and the patience of the creator, The natural rippling of the granite which goes across the statue adds considerably to its uniqueness.

Reclining Buddha

Slight drawing back of the upper foot on top of the lower one indicates this 46 ft long statue represents the Parinirvana posture of Buddha. Here again the natural colour variations of the granite has added extra beauty to the statue. The tenderness with which the artist has carved the statue is quite obvious on the details. Even the fine details like subtle depression of the pillow under the weight of the head is nicely shown to give the statue a real life appearance.

In between the statue is placed the famous inscription carved on a flat slab of granite describing King Parakramabahu's works.

The skills and the geometrical knowledge of the artist is quiet obvious just looking at these creations. Withstanding centuries of rain and droughts these statues still stand majestically, shining a proud light on all of us Sri Lankans.