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The Polonnaruwa site is huge and because of the intricate history therewith associated I felt I would certainly need to further read about it, so as to thoroughly associate images to periods of different sovereignty.
The Atadage or First Tooth Relique shrine has a stone stairway leading to the upper floors where the sacred relique was enshrined. among the pilars the image of a Buddha could be seen.
The Hatadage or Second Tooth Relique, similar in design to the Atadage has a bulky parapeth surrounding the shrine, where some of the images have been severely damaged due to the battle to access to the relique. The seven stepped Stupa - Satmahalprasada could be seen as well.
The Gal Pota or 8 metre long Stone Book is a carved and inscribed piece of granite praising King Nissanka Mala, bearing references of his invasion of India and his realtions with other countries.
Our visit continued further afield within the site with us having very briefly photographed a huge sutpa, whilst having encountered a few loose macaques still.
The highest moment was withouth any doubt the last part of this visit - the Gal Vihara, comprising the finest group of sculptures of the Buddha carved from a single granite wall to be found in the world (it is said). The truth is these figures were quite impressive, particularly in regards to their facial expressions.
The reclining figure which is almost 15 metres long expresses the calmness of Nirvana, whilst the standing figure though epitomizing calmness is said to stand in front of the bo tree in the seventh week after enlightment in an attitude of respect for the shelter provided during Buddah's meditation period. The seated scultpure expresses elegance and sublimity.
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