Uththararama Gal Viharaya

Detailed description about Uththararama Gal Viharaya-Polonnaruwa.

🪨 Uththararama Gal Viharaya – Polonnaruwa

🏛️ Overview

  • Name: Uththararama Gal Viharaya (commonly known as Gal Viharaya)
  • Location: Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka
  • Established by: King Parakramabahu I (reigned 1153–1186 CE)
  • Period: 12th century CE – part of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom
  • Originally known as Uttararama (meaning “Northern Monastery”), indicating its position relative to the main city area.

🧱 Significance

  • One of the greatest masterpieces of Sinhalese rock carving and sculpture
  • Symbolizes the maturity of Buddhist art and spiritual devotion during the Polonnaruwa era
  • Features a series of large rock-cut Buddha statues sculpted from a single granite rock face
  • A UNESCO World Heritage site within the Polonnaruwa Sacred City

🗿 The Four Main Buddha Statues

All statues are carved into a single long granite rock face and represent different postures of the Buddha.

  1. Seated Buddha in Meditation (Samadhi Mudra)

  • Height: ~15 feet (4.6 meters)
  • Pose: Cross-legged in dhyana mudra (meditation posture), hands resting on lap
  • Background: A delicately carved sanda mandala (halo-like lotus carving)
  • Symbolism: Peace, contemplation, and enlightenment

  2. Seated Buddha in Preaching Pose (Vitaraka Mudra)

  • Location: Inside a small artificial cave (drip-ledge shelter)
  • Pose: Right hand raised in the gesture of teaching; left hand on the lap
  • Murals and carvings once adorned the cave’s walls
  • Purpose: Likely used for monastic teaching or meditation

  3. Standing Buddha Statue

  • Height: ~23 feet (7 meters)
  • Pose: Arms crossed over chest, a unique and rarely seen posture
  • Expression: Deep sorrow or contemplation
  • Interpretation:
    • Some believe it’s Ananda, the Buddha’s disciple, mourning his master’s death
    • Others believe it’s the Buddha himself in compassionate reflection

  4. Reclining Buddha (Parinirvana Pose)

  • Length: ~46 feet (14 meters)
  • Pose: Lying on right side, representing the Mahaparinibbana (passing into Nirvana)
  • Feet alignment and facial serenity show artistic attention to detail
  • Symbolism: The Buddha’s peaceful departure from the cycle of rebirth

🛕 Architectural and Artistic Features

  • Stone Carvings: Immaculate detailing on robes, facial expressions, and posture
  • Minimalist Backgrounds: Emphasis is entirely on the graceful and calm forms of the Buddha
  • Single Rock Surface: The entire complex is cut from a single giant granite outcrop

🌿 Surrounding Complex

  • Part of the larger Uttararama Monastery
  • Ruins of monastic buildings, guardstones, pavements, and pillars nearby
  • Stone inscriptions of King Parakramabahu’s code of monastic conduct (in nearby areas)

🧘‍♂️ Religious and Cultural Importance

  • Still used as a place of worship and meditation
  • Considered a spiritual center in ancient and modern times
  • Shows strong influence of Mahayana and Theravāda Buddhism

🧭 Visiting Information

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon (cooler, better light for photography)
  • What to Wear: Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered)
  • Etiquette: No shoes, hats, or loud behavior near statues; no turning your back to Buddha statues for photos
  • Entrance: Covered under the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site ticket

📸 Fun Facts

  • These statues are among the largest ancient rock-cut Buddha images in the world
  • The serenity of the expressions is praised by both locals and foreign art historians
  • Gal Viharaya’s statues have influenced Buddhist sculpture throughout Southeast Asia