ANICCASIGHT: Gal Vihara

The full name of Rock Temple is Uththararamaya Gal Viharaya which means Temple of north direction. The site was established by King Parakamabahu during his reign (1153-1186) of Polonnaruwa Kingdom. It contains a group of colossal Buddha Images, each was sculpted from a single granite boulder. There are two seated, one standing and one reclined Buddha images. The principal one was placed in a man-built cave known as Vidyadara Guhawa and was fenced up with metal wire mesh barrier with a reflecting board. Its background wall consists of some decorations and perhaps some frescoes also as could be visualized from the faded images.

The fascinating group of four Buddha Images that sculpted from a granite cliff surface created a wonderful spiritually and relaxing environment for our busy mind. It is an ideal place to resume our missing inner peace. The only eye sore is the metal roof that built to shelter the images.

The seated, the standing and the reclined images of Lord Buddha that were carved out from a single granite rock.

The Standing Image of Lord Buddha on a lotus stage, is the most prominent sculpture at site. It is 7 meters tall with arms folded and eyes closed, which are different from other images found in the country. It was said that the pose and sorrowful expression of the Image, are reflecting the great compassion of Lord Buddha towards the Samsara world. The work was believed to be completed in later part after King Parakambahu.

The posture of Reclining Buddha was based according to Lord Buddha's Parinirvana pose with head resting on the right palm while left hand stretching along the left side of the body. It measures 14 meters in length. The pillow in order to reflect the weight of Buddha's head, is carved denting in at the middle part and Buddha's left ankle was slightly withdrawn from the other. The outstanidng carving skill that has brought the sculpture to life is truly impressive.

History inscription of Gal Vihara.

The 16 feet tall main Samandhi Buddha seated on a throne with decorations at his back.

It was said that in early time, there was a brick structure built near the image of the seated Buddha.

The nearby pond was entirely covered up with moss and weeds. The sight is exactly as we have seen in Magnolia Plantation when we visited South Carolina of USA years back. (see my America Travel Blog at www.anattasight.blogspot.com)

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The coconut water in Sri Lanka is one of the sweetest we ever tried.

Out of no where, there is a great sculpture standing somewhere near the lake side hotel known as Potgul Vihara. It was carved out from a whole piece of massive rock and was believed to be the image of King Parakamabahu who was the last monarchs in the history of Sri Lanka that unified the country under one ruler. During his 33 years of reign from 1153-1186, the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa was at its peak glory. He reorganized the army forces, reformed Buddhist practices, consecrated religious monuments, built hospitals and social welfare units, developed the city with architects and arts, constructed extensive irrigation systems with canals and reservoirs such as Sea of Parakrama. His slogan of not even a little water from the sky should flow into ocean without being made useful to mankind, had been the most notable of his uttered verses.

The hotel where we put a night near the lake side was quite cozy from outside but the room we stayed was terrible. Though the reception staff was very friendly to accommodate all our requests, we still were unable to sleep comfortably and use the bath room conveniently. Backwards was not a big issue, cleanliness is what we concern more. If it was not too late, we would have to look for another one.

Just wondering, how come the room cannot be upkeep as this landscaped garden laid at the center of the building?

A good location, a good set up layout, friendly staff...This hotel could be a comfortable choice for all its guests if the management is able to put some efforts to improve the rooms and its bath rooms.