An Ancient Library Monastery and Rankoth Stupa - Polonnaruwa

Potgul Vihara was believed to be an ancient library monastery constructed by King Parakramabhu and renovated by his consort, Queen Chandrawathi. It was the oldest book storing complex so far found in Sri Lanka. The principal monument of a circular shrine where books were stored was laid on a central square terraced stage. The design was similar to those found in Cambodia Temples known as Gedige Style.






The peculiar feature of the circular brick structure that located in the square central terrace was made of brick including its roof and inner walls contained some paintings.






The library monastery was surrounded by four small mounds which may related to stupas at the four corners of the site.






Remains of several square or rectangular buildings within the complex premises, are believed to be monks dwellings.






A layout plan of Potgul Vihara Monastery complex.



The 54 meters high enormous Golden Pinnacle Dagoba Rankoth Vehera was the tallest stupa built during Polonnaruwa era. It was either built or restored by King Nishankamalla during his reign between years 1187 to 1196. It was said that The King personally supervised the construction work during the time when it was built. The structure following the shape of Ruwanweli Mahaseya in Anuradhapura was constructed with brick and plaster in accordance with traditions of early stupa.



The pinnacle of Rankoth Dagoba



There are four Vahalkada entrance enclosures built of brick with flight of steps at four central points of the stupa.



Around the stupa, there are also remains of Shrines and Alters which were set in wide stand terrace attached to the stupa on a square stage surrounded by brick walls. Remains of Awasa where Bikkus lived were also found within the premises.



The remains of some shrine halls.



It was said that King Nissankamalla (1187-1196) during medieval Sinhala period used to worship the relics in the Ruvanvali before Rankot Dagoba from the Pavilion.



Siva Devale Hindu Shrine built by King Rajaraja (985-1014) dedicating for his own consort, is the oldest Hindu Shrine found in Polonnaruva. Housed at the center of shrine as the principal worship object is a stone carved Sivalinga with the figure of his vehicle Nandi Bull displayed in front. There are also many other Hindu Gods discovered at site and till today, Hindu religious activities are still carried on.