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Home > Heritage > Polonnaruwa

The Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa


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The birth of Polonnaruwa

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. This is also the place for the famous “Battle of Vijithapura” between the Great King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC) and the Tamil invader Elara in his effort to re-unite the country under one Sinhalese King. This area was gradually developed as an influential agricultural town with large irrigation tanks and complex waterways built by various kings who ruled from Anuradhapura.

The selection of Polonnaruwa as the capital was not random choice by the invaders but a strategic choice. Polonnaruwa was developed to be the next kingdom by the Sri Lankan kings from the fifth century BC itself and even during the Anuradhapura era some kings chose this area to rule from whenever the Anuradhapura was under siege.`

Anuradhapura was first kingdom in Sri Lanka and lasted for over 15 centuries from the 4th century BC. The last king of Anuradhapura was the king Mahinda V who was captured by Chola Invaders from South India in 993 and took him prisoner and was taken to India. Later he died in India itself. The Chola Invaders destroyed everything in Anuradhapura and took their ruling capital to Polonnaruwa in 1017 which they called “Jananathapuram”. During this period most of the Sinhalese in these areas migrated to the south to escape the cruelties of this Tamil ruler. After the death of King Mahinda in 1029 in India, the Sinhalese started a definite revolution stating from the South. This revolt was headed by the youngest son of King Mahinda who died unexpectedly. Ten years later a prince by the name of Keerthi made the final attack on Polonnaruwa in 1070 and defeated the “Soli” king who reigned the area for almost 75 years. He held his consecration in Anuradhapura as king Vijayabahu (see The Royal palace of King Vijayabahu I in Anuradhapura) and made his ruling capital Polonnaruwa.

Route to Polonnaruwa

Distances from Colombo to Polonnaruwa
From Colombo To Miriswattha  
25
      Warakapola  
56
      Ambepussa  
58
      Allauwa  
67
      Polgahawela  
74
      Kurunegala  
93
      Malsiripura  
119
      Dambulla  
150
      Habarana  
174
      Minneriya  
196
      Girithale  
204
      Polonnaruwa  
217
         

 

Places of Interest ( view in alphabatical order)

    1. Parakrama Samudraya (The Ocean of the King Parakrama)
    2. Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple) Statue – Statue of King Parakramabahu
    3. Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple)
    4. Deepa Uyana
    5. Unidentified structure at the Nissanga Malla’s court
    6. Nissanga Malla’s Audience Hall (Raja Sabha Mandapaya)
    7. Palace of King Nissanga Malla
    8. Weijantha Palace (Palace of King Parakramabahu)
    9. Royal Court of king Parakramabahu
    10. Royal Pond of King Parakramabahu
    11. Shiva Kovil (number 1)
    12. Dalada Maluwa
    13. Vatadagê (The Stupa-house)
    14. Image of Boddhisathwa Thuparama Image House
    15. Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
    16. Oth-pilimaya
    17. Atadage
    18. Hetadage
    19. Gal-potha (Stone Book)
    20. Sathmahal Pasada (Seven storied building)
    21. Pabalu Vehera
    22. Shiva Kovil (number 2)
    23. Vishnu Kovil (number 2)
    24. Shiva Kovil (number 3) And Gansh Kovil
    25. Eastern Entrance to the Inner City
    26. Menik Vehera
    27. Shiva Kovil (number 4)
    28. Rankoth Vehera
    29. Gopala Pabbatha
    30. Alahana Privena
    31. Badda Sema Malakaya
    32. Kuda Gal Viharaya (Small Rock Temple)
    33. Lankathilaka Image House
    34. Kiri Vehera
    35. Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple)
    36. Damila Maha Seya (Stupa of Tamils)
    37. Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond)
    38. Thivanka Image House
    39. Vishnu Devala (number 4) - Naipena Viharaya
    40. Shiva Devala (number 5)

 

Other Historical Sites around Polonnaruwa

    1. Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya
    2. Namal Pokuna Viharaya
    3. Medirigiriya Vatadage (Medirigiriya Stupa House)
    4. Somavathiya (Somavathi Chethiya)

Other Sites in and Around Polonnaruwa

    1. Kaudulla National Park
    2. Minneriya National Park
    3. Manampitya Bridge
    4. Elephants at the Garbage Dump Near Manampitiya Bridge

A chronological list of rulers in Polonnaruwa [For a full list click here]

“Chola” Invaders

South Indian invaders

1017-1070

Vijayabahu I

 

1070-1110

Jayabahu I

Younger brother of Vijayabahu I

1110-1111

Wickramabahu I

Son of Vijayabahu I

1111-1132

Gajabahu II

 

1132-1159

Parakramabahu I

The father of Parakramabahu , Manabharana was the son of Mitta, who was the sister of Vijayabahu I

The mother of Parakramabahu was Rathnavali who was a daughter of Vijayabahu

1153-1186

Vijayabahu II

Son of Parakramabahu’s sister

1186-1187

Nissanka Malla

Came from Kalinga kingdom in India

1187-1196

Wickramabahu II

Son of Nissanka Malla

1196

Choda Ganga

A nephew of Nissanka Malla

1196-1197

Queen Leelavathi

Wife of Parakramabahu I

1197-1200

Sahasa Malla

A relation of Nissanka Malla who came from Kalinga kingdom in India

1200-1202

Queen Kalyanavathi

Second wife of Nissanka Malla

1202-1208

Dharmashoka

Was made the king at the age of three months

1208-1209

Anikanga Mahadipada

Ruled the country for 17 days

1209

Queen Leelavathi (restored)

 

1209-1210

Lokeshwara

Invader from Kalinga kingdom in India

1210-1211

Queen Leelavathi (restored)

 

1211-1212

Parakramabahu Pandu

Invader from pandya kingdom in India

1212-1215

Magha

Invader from Kalinga kingdom in India

1215-1236

Home > Heritage > Polonnaruwa

February 5, 2012