Statue of King Parakramabahu

The statue of King Parakramabahu I, situated close to the Pothgul Vehera in Polonnaruwa is a stone statue tracing all the way back to the Polonnaruwa time of ancient Sri Lanka. Its representation is unsure, albeit the generally acknowledged hypothesis is that it is a sculpture of Parakramabahu I. Notwithstanding, it has likewise been regarded as the sculpture of a sage. Cut on an enormous rock, the sculpture portrays a superb figure with a grave expression, holding a book or York in the palm.

Table of Contents

• The ancient city of Polonnaruwa
• Location of the statue of King Parakramabahu
• How can I visit King Parakramabahu’s statue?
• Polonnaruwa City tour
• Characteristics of the statue of King Parakramabahu
• Identity of the Statue
• King Parakramabahu
• Polonnaruwa during the reign of King Parakramabahu

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is located in the cultural triangle of sri Lanka. Visiting the historical city of Polonnaruwa allows travellers to witness one of the oldest well-planned cities in the world. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is home to many dozens of ancient temples, gardens, palaces, stupas and many other constructions. The state of King Parakrambahu is an important object, however, only a few tourist visit this site as it is away from the main part of the ancient city. The travellers, who, visit the Parakrama Samudra can visit teh statue within a short walk from the ancient tank.

Location of the statue of King Parakramabahu

The sculpture is situated toward the north of the city of Polonnaruwa, and near the eastern bank of the Parakrama Samudra reservoir, which was constructed by Parakramabahu I himself. It is around 100 meters (330 ft) north of the historical Potgul Vehera monastery.

How can I visit King Parakramabahu’s statue?

Venturing on a Polonnaruwa city tour is the best way to see the statue of King Parakramabahu. Even with some Polonnaruwa city tours, this monument is not included as it is not a major tourist attraction in the city. So, don’t be surprised that your guide avoid driving extra few kilometres to see the statue. As per my understanding, it is a good idea to request your guide to take you to the places, where the statue is to be found. Pothgul Vehera is also located near King Parakramabu’s statue and therefore you can witness another important monument in the old city along with the statue.

Polonnaruwa City tour

Polonnaruwa city tour can be booked as a Sri Lanka one-day tour or as a part of a Multi-day Sri Lanka tour. Usually most Sri Lanka multi-day tours such as 10 days Sri Lanka tour and 7 days Sri Lanka trip includes Polonnaruwa with many other historical places in Sri Lanak such as Sigiriya Rock, and Dambulla cave temple. One day tour to Polonnaruwa from Colombo could be a very tiring venture as you have to drive more than 5 kilometres on one way. Therefore, it is very sensible to book a 2 days Sri Lanka cultural triangle tour from Colombo. 2 days trip also includes many interesting activities such as wildlife tours, village tours and visiting

etc.

Characteristics of the statue of King Parakramabahu

The sculpture was done probably in the twelfth century, during the rule of Parakramabahu I. The sculpture of Parakramabahu I is quite possibly the best stone sculpture in the Polonnaruwa period. The statue is an 11-foot-2-inch-high (3.40 m) sculpture cut in high relief on an enormous rock, with full use being made of its height. Its chest area is exposed with the exception of a solitary string worn over the left shoulder. A long object is held in the hands. The sculpture’s face conveys a grave expression, with half-shut eyes, a high forehead, a long beard and a moustache. The shoulders of the sculpture are rounded, proposing “exceptional strength”. The right leg is relaxed with the right knee twisted forward somewhat. The left leg conveys the heaviness of the body, while the hip is also marginally leaned to one side. As per prehistorian Senarath Paranavitana, this sculpture is “the actual exemplification of solidarity, magnificence and dignity”.

Identity of the Statue

The sculpture has not been emphatically recognized, yet the well-known and broadly acknowledged conviction is that the sculpture is of King Parakramabahu I, who reigned the country from 1153 to 1186. Historian Mendis Rohanadeera has proposed that the sculpture shows a man belonging to the Lambakanna tribe, on the grounds that a hare — a symbol of this clan — is portrayed over the left shoulder of the sculpture. This supports the hypothesis that it is a sculpture of Parakramabahu I, who was of the Lambakanna clan. Notwithstanding, one more hypothesis is that it is the sculpture of a sage; either Agastya or Pulasthi. The article held in the hands of the sculpture might be an Ola (cured palm leaves) book. This, and the way that it is found near the Potgul Vehera, which was a library in old times, upholds this theory. Nonetheless, another conviction is that the article is a “burden of kingship”.

King Parakramabahu

Parākramabāhu I or Parakramabahu the Great was the King of Polonnaruwa from 1153 to 1186. He supervised the development and beautification of his capital: built an extensive irrigation network, revamped the nation’s military, reformed Buddhist practices, supported arts and crafts and launched military missions in South India and Burma. The proverb “Not even a drop of water that comes from the rain must flow into the ocean without being made useful to man” is one of his most renowned utterances.

In 1140, Parakramabahu following the demise of his uncle, Kitti Sri Megha, Sovereign of Dakkinadesa, rose to the privileged position of Dakkhinadesa. Throughout the following decade, worked on both Dakkhinadesi framework and the military. Following an extended nationwide conflict, he got control over the whole island around 1153 and stayed until his passing in 1186. During Parākramabāhu’s rule, he launched a punitive mission against the King of Burma, supported the Pandyan dynasty against the Chola tradition in southern India and kept up with broad exchange relations with China, Angkor, and nations in the Middle East. Inside the island, he constructed Buddhist temples, constructed hospitals, social welfare units, canals and huge reservoirs, like the Parakrama Samudra, but at the same time was a strict dogmatist and prohibited the high-level practices and books of Mahayana Buddhism.

Polonnaruwa during the reign of King Parakramabahu

King Parākramabāhu’s development work made up a huge part of the history of Sri Lanka. A large part of the remaining constructions of Polonnaruwa date from his rule, as well as locales in western and south-eastern Sri Lanka. One of Parākramabāhu’s most memorable undertakings was the restoration of Anuradhapura, including the rebuilding of Thuparamaya (which had been lost to the wilderness), Mihintale, and Ruwanwelisaya. Parakramabahu, having nullified his office at Parakramapura of Dakkhinadesa, turned his consideration on Polonnaruwa. Obviously, because of the close yearly attacks, the city had endured and had arrived at an express where only its name remained. It is maybe a result of this that such an insignificant slice of pre-twelfth century Polonnaruwa stays until today.