Archaeological sites Sri Lanka

It is the major set of Polonnaruwa: a group of 4 Buddhas of the XIIth century, carved on the side of the cliff. The rock has been hollowed out to a depth of nearly 4 meters to create the necessary relief for the statues. The first seated Buddha is in meditation on a throne decorated with lions. The second is surrounded by the two Hindu deities, Brahma and Vishnu. The third is standing and rises to 7 m. The fourth Buddha is lying down (14 m length). The whole complex is under renovation and has been covered with a corrugated iron roof to protect it.

Mihintale, "Mahinda's Mountain", is a sacred mountain. It was here, in 247 BC, that King Devanampiyatissa of Anuradhapura came across Mahinda, son of the Indian emperor Asoka, and converted to Buddhism. He thus allowed the religion to establish itself on the island. A sacred city was founded here, of which some beautiful ruins remain. You have to walk around them and climb 1,840 steps to reach the third level, and a few more to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. Pilgrims make this ascent at the time of the Poson full moon, in May or June. The visit takes between an hour and a half and two hours. The order shown below is that of the most common progression.

At the foot of the hill

The hospital. Mihintale was for many years an important health center. The ruins of what was once a hospital can still be seen at the foot of the mountain, with stone sarcophagi in which patients lay and were cared for.

Staircase. For those frightened by the announced 1,840 steps, Old Road, accessible to both pedestrians and cars, allows you to avoid them by emerging at the second landing.

First landing

Kanta Chetya. This 12-metre-high dagoba dates back to the ^2nd or ^1st century BC. A little further on, an engraved inscription is believed to be the oldest in Sri Lanka.

Second level

Refectory. Measures approximately 20 m by 8 m. Two nearby hollow stones were probably used to store food.

Relics room. This room contains the two steles on which are engraved the rules governing the life of the monks.

Meeting room. This is a square stone building, about 20 m square, where the monks used to meet.

Sinha Pokuna. A small basin decorated with friezes, overlooked by a stone lion almost 2 m tall.

Third level

Ambasthale Dagoba. This is said to have been built where Mahinda stood when he converted the king. A statue of the king stands here, facing a superb white seated Buddha.

Selta Chetiya. A Buddha footprint highlighted by a balustrade and prayer flags.

Mahaseya Dagoba. Believed to contain the relics of Mahinda. A Bo tree stands a few metres away.

Mahinda Cave. This is the rock shelter where Mahinda used to rest. A large, flat stone could have served as a bed.

The palace of Parakramabahu I (1153-1186) is located within the Citadel enclosure, in the centre of a complex of several buildings once reserved for the king and his relatives:

The royal palace (Vejayanta Pasada) , dedicated to the Hindu god of rain Indra, was 31 meters long and 13 meters wide and would have had 7 floors.

The Council Hall was the official seat of the king's government.

The royal baths (Kumara Pokuna) , entirely carved out of granite.

This quatrilateral (quadrangle

in English) is the ancient heart of the fallen capital. It is located to the left of the main entrance to the site, within the fortress enclosure, past Shiva Devalaya 1. This terrace is home to one of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites.

Vatadage (Stupa-house).

This magnificent circular pavilion is located to the left of the entrance to the quadrangle. These four entrances lead to four finely carved Buddha statues facing the four cardinal points. At the northern entrance, you can admire the most beautiful moonstone on the site, representing the signs of the Sinhalese zodiac.

Hatadage or Temple of the Tooth.

Located on the right as you enter. It was built during the reign of Nissanka Malla in the 12th century and is said to have housed the tooth of Buddha. In the entrance are represented musicians and dancers. The murals depict the exploits of the king.

Chapter Hall.

It occupies a small area adjacent to the Hatadage. Only the base of the building and some pillars remain.

Gal Potha (Stone Book). This stone book is a piece of rock 9 m long, 1.50 m wide and 60 cm thick. Its weight is estimated at 25 tons. The text is engraved in three columns and contains more than 4,300 characters.

It chronicles the exploits of King Nissanka Malla in the face of Indian invasions, as well as his pioneering concerns about the coexistence of human and animal life.

Sat Mahal Prasada is a pyramidal building of seven levels (sat

means 'seven'). Archaeologists have yet to define its purpose.

Atadage Dalada Maligaya. Going around the Hatadage, you will come across the Atadage (ata

means 8), which dates back to the reign of Vijayabahu I. Like its illustrious neighbour, it contained a wooden roof designed to protect the tooth of Buddha. Continuing to the western corner of the quadrangle, you can see what remains of a platform for a reclining Buddha.

Latha Mandapaya

dates from the 12th century. It is a superb pavilion, whose pillars represent lotus stems. The king often came there to listen to Buddhist chants. You will then pass by a statue of Bodhisattva and the remains of a temple dedicated to the Bo tree.

Thuparama. This is the best preserved building in Polonnaruwa. It is famous for its vaulted brick walls. It is the only monument on the site that still has its roof. The shrine used to house a large statue of a seated Buddha in a meditative position