The raised terrace studded with columns is the Council Chamber Raja Sabahana of King Nissankamala. It was an ancient assembly hall where the king used to seat and chair the meeting with his petitioners or ministers. The building is believed to have a wooden roof, supported by elegantly carved stone pillars. The roof did not survive till today but the pillars remained. Each column of the pillars were inscribed with the name and title of the Councillors to indicate the assigned place of each one in the hall. It was said that the king's councilors were from all levels including prince, queens, generals and merchants. The hall feature was said to have excellent acoustic effect as King was able to hear from those who stood even at the far end.
The mound of Island Park which was once the site of a King's throne, was identified as the location of Dipauyana Island Park laid by King Parakramabahu The Great in 12th century. King Nissankamalla built his Council Chamber here and renamed as Kalinga Uyana.
King Nissankamalla Raja Saahana Council Chamber is the most imposing structure among the important monument ruins found in the beautiful and secluded Island Park. It locates in the middle of Polonnaruwa ancient city facing Sea of Parakrama.
The King's Council Chamber had two entrances flanked with mythical dragons on both sides of the steps flight and fronted with moonstones.
The relief elephants carved at the base of the Council chamber platform and moonstones at the entrances had began to wore off.
These elegantly carved stone pillars were built to support the wooden roof that was once exist.
The stone lion was the symbol of King's throne. The inscription found at the belly indicated that this was the place where the King used to seat and hold the council. The original throne unearthed was now housed in the Colombo Archaeological Museum.
An enormous sight!
The stage of Council Chamber sits just at the bank of Parakrama Samudraya Sea.
Within the vicinity of Island Park, there are few remnants of monuments beside King's Council Chamber of which some are not yet properly identified. It includes King's residence, Summer House on the water, Arts and Sports recreation pavilion and a bathing pond.
The storied edifice with white lime plastered exterior wall may have been the Bhavalagara built by King Prakramabahu or a mausoleum of Royal members.
The Hotel Lake Park built on the water of Parakrama Samudraya offers a peaceful and comfortable stay for all its guests.
Sea of Parakrama Samudraya
Isalnd Park is home to quite a numbers of wild life.
The royal bath of Ananta Naga Pokuna was found at the southern end of Island Park.
Water of Royal bathing pool was channeled from Parakrama Sea.
The old brick walls surrounded the royal bathing pool are entirely covered with striking green moss.
This may be the spot of old recreational area in the park.
Polonnararuwa Tank built by King Parakramabahu served as a reservoir providing water to the city. The canals built nearly 1000 years ago was still functioning, never failed to supply the clean water to Polonnaruwa's residents.
Having a cool bath in Parakrama Sea after a day of hardwork is the routine life of Polonnaruwa people.
The calm and beautiful Parakrama Sea!
Rice field
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