Palace of Parakramabahu |

The palace built by King Parakramabahu the Great within the citadel of Polonnaruva is known as Vaijayanta Prasada. Earlier it had been a seven-storied building, but now only a part remains. Still, this is the largest building in the area. The palace of Sakra, the King of the gods, was also known as Vaijayanta Prasada. Perhaps, the King wished to pose as Sakra. At present, there are ruins of three stories. Inside the palace on the right is a flight of stairs to the upper floors, made of stone. On the ground floor are the hall, rooms and the ruins of the flight of stairs, Originally there had been a large number of decorated, painted pillars in the palace. In keeping with contemporary tradition, the walls may have contained murals. Nets with golden bells attached to them had been hung everywhere, giving out a pleasant musical sound.

The palace is 45 meters in length and breadth. The main entrance faces the east. Of the remains, two stories could be identified, and there is evidence suggesting the third one. Crevices in the walls to sustain the beams of the upper floors are still to be seen. The bases of pillars are made of stone. The thickness of the walls varies. The walls in the centre are 160 cm thick and 9 m tall. The walls of the surrounding rooms are 80 cm wide. Plaster on the walls of rooms is still in a good state of preservation. The floor is made of a kind of plaster mixed with crushed stone. As one enters the palace, is the large hall. There is evidence that there had been wooden pillars supporting a roof. Because of the wide walls, the internal temperature may have been under control.

The verandah of the palace is largely destroyed. However, the Archaeological Department has conserved the foundation on the southeast quarter, leaving the brickwork exposed. Carved boulders are scattered on the premises.

There were other buildings near the palace. These may have been set apart for the harem, officials, guards, and servants. A wall runs around the entire palace complex.

(Heritage of Rajarata by Chandra Wikramagamage P:206)

Unique Sri Lanka

Palace of King Parakramabahu the Great

CONTACT US

Email: info@virandesilva.com

CONNECT WITH US