Here you can find four buddha statues carved out of a granite rock. Raja raja chola i built vanavan mahadevisvaram, a shiva temple at polonnaruwa named after his queen, which presently is known as siva devale. Galpotha stone book, polonnaruwa sri lanka travel notes. Polonnaruwa sri lanka polonnaruwa the ancient cities sri lanka. The four buddha images which have been carved into a huge granite stone are. Gal vihara the gal vihara, also known as gal viharaya, is a rock temple of the buddha situated in the ancient city of polonnaruwa in northcentral sri lanka. History for three centuries polonnaruwa was a royal capital of both the chola and sinhalese kingdoms. Aug 19, 20 im also passionate about learning the local history and culture. Gal vihara at polonnaruwa in sri lanka known as the northern temple in the beginning of its history, is a cave complex, about 27 meters in length and 10 meters in height at the centre and sloping towards the ends, with sculptures carved on the solid rock in four shrines. Sep 30, 20 the gal vihara or gal viharaya is so called because of the rockgranite sinhala gal face that was used to carve the four statues and it was part of uttararama the northern monastery, in the city of polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa gal vihara buddhist statue statue of rishi pulastha the ancient city of polonnaruwa is considered as one of the bestdesigned archaeological site of the country that demonstrates the greatness and discipline maintained by the first rulers of the kingdom. Gal potha stone book is one of the famous works of king nissanka malla 11871196 which describes himself, his rule and the eligibility for being a king of sri lanka. Polonnaruwa gal potha stone book is a large stone inscription found next to the sath mahal prasada. Gal viharaya of polonnaruwa is a magnificent group of statues of buddha carved in a rock built by king parakramabahu 11531186 which was part of the.
While the medieval capital gets all the attention this site is worthy of its own story. The gal vihara, also known as gal viharaya and originally as the uttararama, is a rock temple of the buddha situated in the ancient city of polonnaruwa in north central province, sri lanka. Attractions gal viharaya, polonnaruwa in sri lanka. Book your tickets online for gal vihara, polonnaruwa. Gal vihara at polonnaruwa in sri lanka known as the northern temple in the beginning of its history, is a cave complex, about 27 meters in length and 10. Polonnaruwa in sri lanka ancient city of polonnaruwa. Ultimate guide to the historical places in polonnaruwa a. Book a hotel near gal viharaya, polonnaruwa travelocity. Polonnaruwa historical facts and pictures the history hub. Gal viharaya of polonnaruwa is a magnificent group of statues of buddha carved in a rock built by king parakramabahu 11531186 which was part of the uthararama complex. The name uththararama means the temple by the north side. But before you go make sure to check out the expedia travel guide on gal viharaya first, so you can find out everything you need to know before you go away. All galviharaya statues are fine carved onto a single rock face, which create a breathtaking effect. Although nearly years old, it is much younger than anuradhapura and generally in better repair.
Maybe the most popular among the historical places in polonnaruwa, the gal viharaya is an impressive sight. Gal vihara, also spelt gal viharaya, means rock monastery. Most prominent is the standing image, 7m 23ft tall. Gal vihara polonnaruwa 2019 all you need to know before. The polonnaruwa gal vihara originally known as the uttararama is a rock temple of the buddha situated in the ancient city of polonnaruwa in. Gal vihara polonnaruwa 2020 all you need to know before. Gal viharaya or the rock temple, which is unparallel among such ancient monastic edifices, takes the form of a group of colossal buddha statues carved out of a granite boulder. Gal vihara in polonnaruwa lanka excursions holidays kandy. The place was originally called uttararama northern monastery. Visit gal vihara on your trip to polonnaruwa or sri lanka. Polonnaruwa architecture,art and sculpturesrilankaview. According to tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience gal vihara. This was done during the time of king nissankamalla, who ruled sri lanka during 11871196. See 129 photos and 7 tips from 489 visitors to gal viharaya.
Located in polonnaruwa, within 1 km of gal viharaya and 1. Located approximately 140km from kandy, polonnaruwa was declared a unesco world heritage site, due to its abundance of historic remains. History of polonnaruwa lonely planet travel information. For the final part of our trip to the ancient city of polonnaruwa, we visited the gal viharaya or rock temple. They once belonged to the uttara rama, meaning northern temple, founded by polonnaruwas great king parakramabahu i 115386. Expedia have a great range of hotels and accomodation in gal viharaya near gal viharaya that will help make your stay that little bit more special. Guest rooms at the guest house are equipped with a seating area.
Gal vihara is the theravada buddhist temple at polonnaruwa with three buddha statues of gallant proportions and a smaller image having a touch of mahayana buddhist influence is the most perfect specimen of buddha statues sculptured out of solid granite. Polonnaruwa can be crowded, so we recommend booking etickets ahead of time to secure your spot. It was constructed in the 12th century by parakramabahu i. Gal vihara rock temple ancient buddhist sites in sri lanka. Next to it is an enormous 14m 46ft reclining buddha. Browse 238 gal vihara stock photos and images available, or search for sri lanka or sigiriya to find more great stock photos and pictures. It is decorated with beautiful carvings of swans, elephants also a representation of the goddess lakshmi. The four buddha statues of gal viharaya are the most beautiful stone statues in sri lanka. The polonnaruwa gal vihara originally known as the uttararama is a rock temple of the buddha situated in the ancient city of polonnaruwa in north central province, sri lanka.
The inscriptions also contain particulars of king nissankamallas genealogy and his wars with dravidian invaders from south india. Exclusive boutique resort in polonnaruwa, sri lanka ekho. To visit it, make the trip to polonnaruwa, around 110 miles 177 kilometers outside of sri jayawardenepura kotte, the countrys capital. Gal potha stone book in polonnaruwa gal potha is a massive 26 ft slab of stone that lies by the side of the hetadage in which king nissankamalla had his own deeds recorded in stone. Built in 1870 as a circuit bungalow for british government agents, the old polonnaruwa rest house and once the queen of englands holiday destination in the 1960s, has now been restored and renamed as ekho lake house, polonnaruwa. Mar 25, 2012 the gal vihara is a rock temple of the buddha situated in the ancient city of polonnaruwa in northcentral sri lanka. This was done by king parakamabahu year 1153 1186 in polonnaruwa kingdom time. Visiting the ancient city of polonnaruwa, sri lanka. Polonnaruwa gal viharaya uththararamaya is one of the main attraction in polonnaruwa.
If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Polonnaruwa sri lanka is considered one of the best preserved historic cities in the world. Home to the worlds premier buddhist art and architecture, sri lankas cultural triangle anuradhapura, sigiriya, polonnaruwa and dambulla caves offers travelers an experience available nowhere else. The promise tsem rinpoches inspiring biography now in ebook format. With approximately 6 hotels and other accommodations located within 2 miles 3 kilometers of gal viharaya, you wont have any problems finding something comfortable. Polonnaruwa was established by the cholas as capital city under the name jananathapuram in the 10th century. Gal vihara polonnaruwa, sri lanka attractions lonely. Gal viharaya in sri lanka is definitely in the ultimate asian bucket list. Two are sitting, one is standing and the last one, the largest one, lies down. It was fashioned in the 12th century by parakramabahu i.
Im also passionate about learning the local history and culture. Gal vihara also known as rock temple unesco world heritage site is a breath taking group of buddha statues carved in a rock with exceptional detail. This is a group of beautiful buddha images that probably marks the high point of sinhalese rock carving. Though polonnaruwa unesco world heritage site is yet another tremendous place to travel, has increased the value of the tourism sites of sri lanka. Its the name of sri lankas most celebrated rockcut buddha statues. Polonnaruwa gal vihara seated buddha statue, ceylon sri lanka. Back next one of the finest collections of buddhist sculpture can be seen at galvihara rock monastery in polonnaruwa, the capital of ancient sri. Gal vihara polonnaruwa all you need to know before you go.
If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Day tour this tour takes you to polonnaruwa and minneriya, on a. The central feature of the shrine are four images of the buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite. The history polonnaruwa goes as far as 6th century bc when a minister of the king vijaya from whom the sinhalese race was born established a town called vijitha grama on the area now called kaduruwela. Gal vihara, polonnaruwa, sri lanka tourist information. Polonnaruwa was a great city in sri lanka which came in to prominence during its brief period of 2 centuries of sri lankan history, being second only to the ancient city of anuradhapura in ancient cultural heritage. The gal vihara consists of four separate images, all cut from one long slab of granite. The gal vihara, also known as gal viharaya and originally as the uttararama, is a rock temple of. The gal viharaya, rock temple located at polonnaruwa in the north central province of sri lanka was originally built by king parakramabahu 1 around the 12th century. Gal vihara polonnaruwa all you need to know before you. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standin. The gal vihara rock temple polonnaruwa, sri lanka youtube.
They are part of parakramabahu is northern monastery. Gal vihara polonnaruwa, sri lanka attractions lonely planet. Under its name goes a group of four statues representing buddha and built by parakramabahu the great. This stone book is consists of three main sections a, 26 feet and 10 inch in length and 4 feet and 7 inch in width. Polonnaruwa gal viharaya rock temple polonnaruwa gal viharaya uththararamaya is one of the main attraction in polonnaruwa. Gal viharaya in polonnaruwa, sri lanka sygic travel. Gal potha the stone book is one of the most famous works of king nissanka malla and is the largest stone inscription found describing the work of king nissankamalla. Polonnaruwa galpotha polonnaruwa gal potha stone book is a large stone inscription found next to the sath mahal prasada. The 10 best holiday rentals in polonnaruwa, sri lanka. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granitic rock. We recommend booking gal vihara tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Gal vihara at polonnaruwa in sri lanka lakpura llc. Gal vihara polonnaruwa 2020 what to know before you go.
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