POTHGUL VIHARAYA

Figure 1 : Location

                             

“Pothgul Viharaya” also known as “Pothgul Vehera” is located in ancient city Polonnaruwa, 227 Km apart from Colombo which it takes about 6 hours to reach there. 

It has built in front of “Parakrama Samudraya” tank and close to the Polonnaruwa “Gal Viharaya” ancient city. 

Figure 2 : Name Board at the Entrance 

 

Among the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Pothgul Vihara monastic complex is furthest to the south. Although it is popularly known as “Pothgul Vihara”, whether it is the ancient name of the complex is doubtful, because the records do not indicate any monastery by that name. 

Some scholars have suggested that this could be either “Kapila Vihara” or “Mandala Mandira” mentioned in the Mahawansa. 

The circular building in the center of the square terrace of the monastery complex is a peculiar feature here, and a monastery with such a layout has not been found anywhere in the island although monasteries similar to this are seen in many south-east Asian countries. 

The statue, carved out of the boulder to the north of “Pothgul Vihara” is an exquisite work of art belonging to the Polonnaruwa period. It is popularly known as that of King Parakramabahu the Great (1153 – 1186 A.D.) and there may be a link between the presence of something like a book on his hands and the naming of the monastery as Pothgul Vihara, the word “Poth” meaning books.

Figure 3: Staue of “King Parakramabahu” or “Pulasthi” or “Agastya” or “Kapila” 

This statue at “Pothgul Vihara” is regarded as a superb example of Asian art. Traditionally, it is believed to be that of “King Parakramabahu” the Great (1153 – 1186 A.D.). But some scholars believe that it represents a Sage and that it could be Pulasthi, Agastya or Kapila.

A special feature is the object in the hands of the statue, which many believe to be a Palm leaf manuscript and that it represents the erudition of the holder. Another view has also been expressed that it is a Yoke representing Sovereignty.

Figure 4: Library Shrine

The ancient name or the builder of this monastery known as “Pothgul Vihara” are not known, but it has been suggested that it could be either the “Kapila Vihara” or “Mandala Mandira” built by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153 – 1186 A.D.). 

According to a stone inscription found at the site, it has been renovated by Queen Chandrawathie, a consort of King Parakramabahu the Great. As its name implies, if it is taken as a library shrine, this could be regarded as the oldest library complex so far found in the island. 

The peculiar feature of this site is the circular brick building located in the square center terrace. Evidence suggests that the roof itself had been made of bricks and the inner walls contained paintings. On the four sides of this building, four circular mounds are seen which may be the associate stupas, and on the lower terrace are seen square or rectangular residential cells. Shrines of similar design are seen in south-east Asian countries and this particular site seems very much closer to the Minbien Shrine of Cambodia. 

Source of Information : Central Cultural Fund