POLONNARUWA

The Ancient Capital Of Polonnaruwa 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.`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 Birth Of Polonnaruwa 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) Parakrama Samudraya (The Ocean of the King Parakrama) Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple) Statue – Statue of King Parakramabahu Pothgul Vehera (Pothgul Temple) Deepa Uyana Unidentified structure at the Nissanga Malla’s court Nissanga Malla’s Audience Hall (Raja Sabha Mandapaya) Palace of King Nissanga Malla Weijantha Palace (Palace of King Parakramabahu) Royal Court of king Parakramabahu Royal Pond of King Parakramabahu Shiva Kovil (number 1) Dalada Maluwa Vatadagê (The Stupa-house) Image of Boddhisathwa Thuparama Image House Nissanka Latha Mandapaya Oth-pilimaya Atadage Hetadage Gal-potha (Stone Book) Sathmahal Pasada (Seven storied building) Pabalu Vehera Shiva Kovil (number 2) Vishnu Kovil (number 2) Shiva Kovil (number 3) And Gansh Kovil Eastern Entrance to the Inner City Menik Vehera Shiva Kovil (number 4) Rankoth Vehera Gopala Pabbatha Alahana Privena Badda Sema Malakaya Kuda Gal Viharaya (Small Rock Temple) Lankathilaka Image House Kiri Vehera Gal Viharaya (Rock Temple) Damila Maha Seya (Stupa of Tamils) Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Thivanka Image House Vishnu Devala (number 4) - Naipena Viharaya Shiva Devala (number 5) Sandakada Pahana - Moonstone Korawakgala - Balustrades of Bhuddhist Buildings Mura Gala ( Guard Stone) Other Historical Sites Around Polonnaruwa Dimbulagala Rajamaha Viharaya Namal Pokuna Viharaya Medirigiriya Vatadage (Medirigiriya Stupa House) Somavathiya (Somavathi Chethiya) Other Sites In And Around Polonnaruwa Kaudulla National Park Minneriya National Park Manampitya Bridge 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