Pothgul Viharaya

Statue

The most popular belief was this is the statue of King Parakramabahu. also call Parakramabahu statue. Another belief is that this is a statue of Indian prophet (wrishi) Pulasthi, Agyastha or Kapila. The long beard and the mustache, the hair, the clothing, and the body with a slightly large stomach are not expecting from a statue of a great King. 

This beautifully carved statue is 11.5 feet in height and carved in to a semi-circular rock. Irrespective of who this represent, this is a quite beautiful and unique statue showing the highest level of craftsmanship of the rock carving engineers of that time.

It is 1.5 km away from Parakrama Samudraya. There is a small unidentified and destroyed sthupa closer to this statue. It is believed that this is the burial ground of king Parakramabahu and this stupa holds the remains of the king.

Viharaya

This is the oldest library complex found in Sri Lanaka. The pothgul viharaya was build by king Parakamabahu (1153-1185 AD). it was renovated under the patronage of his consort Queen Chandrawathie.

Pothgul Viharaya is a globate type structure, build in the middle of the square shape stage. The interesting point in this building is the circular structure in the middle, seems the main library, made out of brick. The circular shape roof even made out of bricks it seems. There are remaining of four small stupas at the four corners of the stage. Out of it there are remaining of the several buildings which were used as awasa. there is a chamber for the monks who resided here. This, the awasa hall is only preserved as a small building with a few stone columns and a rather high stone foundation. The columns must have supported a roof, or else might have had a few more stories to it in real life. the main structure ans water draining system still remain. 

by Sam
25-07-2017.