Pabalu Wehera

The origin of this unusually shaped Pabalu Vehera stupa is unknown but it is believed to been built by one of the king Parakramabahu’s ( 1153-1186 AD) consorts, queen Rupawathi. The original name of this stupa is not known. The current name “Pabalu” (meaning beads) was derived from the fact that a large number of small glass beads being found during the excavation of the area around the stupa. Top part of the stupa has been destroyed by invaders and centre of the stupa also has been destroyed probably by treasure hunters in the recent times.

In ancient Sri Lanka generally Stupa’s have only 4 image houses around it. But at the pabalu wehera, there are nine image houses around the stupa. These contain sitting images in some and standing images in others. One houses a “Sri Pathla” (the impression of the foot) of Buddha. Another one contains a Buddha statue in the reclining position. It is thought these image houses have been built at different time periods by different people. In addition there is a stairway to reach the first level of the stupa.

The images of Buddha's similar to which is place in watadage. These statues are different to what is normally found. the curly hair is not visible on the head. And the robe is also flat which is unusual. only stone carvings are statues and columns. all other construction made by bricks. but most of the construction still remain.

The pabalu wehera is a lonely place, in silent, peaceful environment. the place is suitable for meditation. may be that time pabalu wehera used for meditation proposes. there is no signs of houses for monks.

This Stupa is situated little bit away from the other ancient ruins. when passing the stupa there is a Shiwa Dewala few meters away. 

by Sam
2017-08-15

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient structural building in Polonnaruwa Kingdom of Sri Lanka. it is built for the protection of a small stupa. It is conjecture to have been built during the reign of Parakramabahu to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha or during the reign of Nissanka Malla of Polonnaruwa to hold the alms bowl used by the Buddha. Both these venerated relics would have given the structure a great significance and importance.

It has been described as the "ultimate development" of this type of architecture.Located within the ancient Polonnaruwa city. it is the best preserved example of a vatadage in the country, and Abandoned for several centuries. 

the structure has two stone platforms decorated with elaborate stone carvings. The lower platform is entered through a single entrance facing the north, while the second platform can be accessed through four doorways facing the four cardinal points. The upper platform, surrounded by a brick wall, contains the stupa. Four Buddha statues are seated around it, each facing one of the entrances. Three concentric rows of stone columns had also been positioned here, presumably to support a wooden roof. The entire structure is decorated with stone carvings. Some of the carvings at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, such as its sandakada pahanas, are considered to be the best examples of such architectural features. Although some archaeologists have suggested that it also had a wooden roof, this theory is disputed by others.

This beautiful Stupa House has been built before the time of Nissanga Malla (1187-1196) but he has carried out major renovations on this building. So what you see today is probably his work.

Te uniqueness of such buildings is that the Stupa is protected by a roof. Therefore Stupa’s in such buildings are small. Another beautiful Stupa House is situated in Madirigiriya few kilometers away from Polonnaruwa.

On the centre is a small stupa and on the four sides, there are beautifully carved Buddha statues. These statues are different to what is normally found. The curly hair is not visible on the head. And the robe is also flat which is unusual. The roof has been supported by two rows of stone pillars around the Stupa. None of the pillars are visible today. But the pillars outside the walls are still intact.

Four sets of beautifully carved stone stairs lead the upper level from four sides. On the side of stair case some of most beautiful guard stones ("Mura Gala") and moonstones ("Sandakadapahana") in this area can be seen. The guard stones on the eastern side of the temple is said to be the best guard stone in t he Polonnaruwa era.

The moonstones ("Sandakadapahana") in the Polonnaruwa era had undergone a major change compared to the Anuradhapura moonstones. The most visible is the disappearance of the bull in the carvings. Where the moonstones originally had four animals – the elephant, the horse, the lion, the bull, now only three remain. Bull is the vehicle of God Shiva (according to Hindu beliefs) and is considered a holy animal by Hindu’s. Probably for this reason, it has been taken off the moonstone where everybody who enters the tramples. Instead the bull has been placed on the side of the stairways at a higher elevation in some places.

Excavation work at the Polonnaruwa Vatadage began in 1903.

by Sam

2017-08-15