🌄 🏛️ Gal Viharaya (Uttararama) - Polonnaruwa (ep02)

Gal Viharaya (Uttararama) , Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka - Image Captured by Travel 360 Sri Lanka

The Gal Vihara, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, was constructed in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I. Known in historical texts as Uttararama, this temple was carved into a rock measuring approximately 80 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The site features four magnificent Buddha statues and an inscription carved into the rock. 

Seated Buddha Statue in Meditation Posture

The first statue is a seated Buddha in a meditative posture, standing at approximately 15 feet 2.5 inches in height. A decorative arch carved into the rock encircles the statue, enhancing its serene appearance.

The Vijjadhara Cave

This cave, carved into the rock, houses a 4-foot 7-inch tall seated Buddha statue in a meditative pose. The statue represents the Buddha dwelling in the Tusita Heaven. Behind the statue is a Makara Torana (dragon arch) with two deities flanking it. Some scholars suggest these figures represent Bodhisattvas, while others believe they depict Brahma and Vishnu. Evidence indicates that the walls surrounding this statue were once adorned with paintings. Folklore suggests that the statue was once coated in a reddish lacquer (referred to as "Damba Rath") and that thieves attempted to extract its valuable elements by heating it. This story is partially corroborated by visible burn marks on the statue.

The Inscription by King Parakramabahu I

Adjacent to the Vijjadhara Cave is a 13x4-foot rock inscription containing 51 lines. This inscription records a royal decree issued by King Parakramabahu I, highlighting the king's support for Dimbulagala Kashyapa Thero. It outlines measures to purify the Buddhist Sangha by expelling monks who failed to uphold proper conduct, providing resources to virtuous monks, and uniting the three Buddhist sects with a code of conduct to be followed by each.

The Standing Buddha Statue

The standing Buddha statue, approximately 22 feet 9 inches tall, is depicted in the Tribhanga posture. This statue's identity is debated among historians and archaeologists. While some argue it represents Ananda Thero (the Buddha’s attendant), others believe it portrays the Buddha himself. In Buddhist art across Asia, Ananda Thero is usually depicted sorrowfully standing beside the Buddha’s feet, rather than seated upright in a lotus posture before the Buddha’s head. The ornate lotus pedestal supporting this statue aligns with Theravada and Mahayana traditions, which typically reserve such design for Buddha statues rather than Sangha figures.

The Reclining Buddha Statue

The reclining Buddha statue, measuring 46 feet in length, is the largest among Polonnaruwa-era statues. It is an exquisitely crafted depiction of the Parinirvana (final passing of the Buddha) or, as some argue, the Buddha resting. Evidence of a chamber surrounding this statue is suggested by the remnants of stone pillars found at the site.

The Gal Vihara remains one of the most visited monuments in Polonnaruwa. The sculptures of Uttararama exhibit a distinct style compared to those of the earlier Anuradhapura period, showcasing notable differences in design. Each statue utilizes the maximum area of the rock for its carving, with its heights determined by the rock's dimensions.

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