Gal Vihara , Polonnaruwa Overview

Gal Vihara is a rock temple of Buddha which is in the north of Sri Lanka in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Polonnaruwa. It was initially known as Uttara Rama. It has four rock statues, each portraying different figures of Buddha. The first one is where Buddha is seated on a lotus; the second one is also a seated figure but smaller in size; the third one is a standing figure, and the last one is a reclining figure.

Parakramabahu is known to be its founder and completed the monument in the 12th century. There have been some controversies regarding the standing figure of Buddha with historians claiming that it is a figure of Ananda and not Buddha. The Gal Vihara is the most prominent of all hundred temples that were built throughout Sri Lanka by Parakramabahu. That three caves built here are namely Vijjadhara Guha (cave of the spirits of knowledge), the Nipanna Patima Guha (cave of the sleeping statue) and the Nissina Patima Lena (cave of the seated statue). The figures were considered painted with gold, but hunters melted and stole it. The code of conduct is stringent here, and one can't take a picture of Buddha with your back towards the idol.

Places to Visit in Gal Vihara

Reclining Buddha Statue
The reclining Buddha depicts entering Parinirvana (nirvana-after-death). This one is 14m long. The highlights of this statue is a slight depression in the pillow under the head as well as the lotus symbols on the cushion. Upon seeing this, one will appreciate how beautifully it was carved and given shape.

Cave of Vijjadhara
This is the primary images of Gal Vihara where there is a seated Buddha statue, which is about 15 feet long. This statue holds importance because is shows Buddha to be the chief of all meditative Buddhas. Here you can see Buddha in dhyana mudra. The seat where Buddha is sitting is carved in the shape of a lotus, and the base of the sitting area was made into flowers and lions. According to Hindu mythology, this throne where Buddha is sitting has an image of four smaller Buddhas carved in it. Historians believe that it was different from typical Sinhalese culture and could have been due to the influence of Mahayana at that time. These four smaller Buddhas also hold importance as they represent four directions of the universe.

The Excavated Cave
This is similar to Buddha at Vijjadhara Cave, but the only difference being that it has a smaller image of Buddha with a height of 4 feet and 7 inches. Inside is another cave named Vidyhadhara Guha which holds the statue. The base of the seat has lions symbolizing fearlessness. According to archaeologists, the diety on the right is Brahma and left is Vishnu

Local Food in Gal Vihar

When you are here you must try some exotic Srilankan food like string fish curry, papaya juice and rice and curry.

History of Gal Vihar

Gal Vihara was built during the time of king Parakrabahu somewhere between 1153-1186. Till date, this monument is preserved in its original form and thereby maintaining its charm. There are four caves shrines known as the cave of Vijjadhara, excavated caves, the cave of standing image and cave of reclining image. One can find inscription between excavated cave and cave of standing image. Years ago, the brick walls of these four caves collapsed, but you can still see evidence on separated foundations of each of them from the others.

Out of all the statues, the standing Buddha is said to be the best. It is 7m tall. Historians claim that the unusual posture and sorrow on the face of Buddha is a face that he made when his master Ananda passed away. This act was the first stage towards achieving nirvana.

How To Reach Gal Vihara

From Colombo to Polonnaruwa City
Go through Ambepussa - Kurunegala - Dambulla route to enjoy the scenic beauty
Distance from Colombo: 220 km
Travel time: 4.5 hours

From Kandy to Polonnaruwa City
Go through: Matale - Dambulla - Habarana route
Distance from Colombo: 145 km
Travel time: 3.0 hours

From Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa City
Go through: Maradankadawala - Habarana route
Distance from Colombo: 105 km
Travel time: 2 hours

From Batticaloa to Polonnaruwa City
Go Through: Chenkaladi - Valachchena route
Distance from Colombo: 100 km
Travel time: 1.5 hours