Statue of Parakramabahu I
Statue of Parakramabahu I
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4.0
188 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
67
Average
40
Poor
9
Terrible
2
Kai Wah
Malaysia3,824 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Although there is no definitive findings about the person of this stature, it is believed to be the statue of the famous King Parakramabahu I who instructed to construct this statue since 12th century. King Parakramabahu I made many contributions during the Polonnaruwa Kingdom with extensive construction of irrigation system that flourished the agricultural activities at that time. His popular sayings was - “No rain water should flow into the sea without being useful to man”. Worth to check this out for quick visit for 5-10 mins especially after the learning about the history of this King.
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Priyantha P
Panadura, Sri Lanka198 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
This is not the statue of Parakramabaahu the Great as lot of people like to say but the statue of Pulasthi Rishi.The object held in the hands of the statue may be an ola (cured palm leaves) book and the fact that it is located close to the Pothgul (Poth = Books, Gula = Hall or room) Vehera, which was a library in ancient times and slso facing that direction, supports this theory. Pulasthi is the Great grand father of Most powerful ancient Sri lankan king Rawana. Same like face is carved on a rock on the Ella – Wellawaya road. It is visible from the main road. Gettng closer is not safe as the surroundings are full of wasps. This statue is 11'-2" tall and situated on the eastern bank of our Greatest tank Parakrama samudraya (Sea). It has been built during Pollonnaruwa era of 12th Centuary.
Written 24 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
worldnomad_01
Los Angeles, CA1,597 contributions
Nov 2018
The statue is supposed to that of Parakrambahu ! (although there's no unanimity on this opinion), it dates back to the time of its reign, in the 12th century AD and is considered to be one of the best carvings from the Polonnaruwa period. The image is carved in one huge granite boulder and represents a standing, mustachioed and bearded man, dressed only in what appears to be a dhoti, he wears some kind of cap and both his hands hold what seems to be a palm leaf book. The 3.4m statue is detailed, nicely executed, well preserved and very much worth your time.
Written 20 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prasanna
Panadura, Sri Lanka3,580 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
It is widely believed that this is the statue (carved out of Rock) of an ancient great King Parakramabahu.. The king believed to be the one of the greatest in Sri Lankan history during which period it was self-sufficient in food due to agricultural and prosperity of all other concern. The vast lake in front of the statue has been built by this king to retain the water for agriculture and other uses. The area being dry for 9months of the year it’s a remarkable planning.
There is school of thoughts that this statue is that of a great scholar at that time who was call pander Pualathisi
There is school of thoughts that this statue is that of a great scholar at that time who was call pander Pualathisi
Written 22 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
startravel01
Sydney, Australia206 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
This statue is located near the ruins of polonnaruwa but there is uncertainty as to the identity of this statue. Some locals say this is the statue of a saint. The interesting thing is that the colour of the stone of this statue is lighter and not the same colour as the other ruins. This seem to indicate that this statue is newer but this is just my theory.
Written 27 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nae21
Gold Coast, Australia196 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Another impressive, giant stone statue. One of many I've seen in Sri Lanka. The locals feel great pride with all things Buddha or their ancient history. As with Buddha statues, your back should not be directed towards this statue for photographs.
Written 10 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LKTravelersg
Colombo, Sri Lanka78 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
This is situated at near the Potgul Vehera in Polonnaruwa, This statue made from huge rock. It is amazing development of ancients. It will take huge effort to develop this sort of statue with today's technology. It's truly wonderful.
Written 24 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rediff L
Tucson, AZ43 contributions
July 2014 • Couples
I would have liked to be able to take a picture with the guy since we sorta look alike, but they don't allow pictures with back to the King. Read up on him on wiki, sounds like he did good by his people.
Written 6 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SISIRA M
Colombo, Sri Lanka208 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
It really is a marvelous sculpture but lacks any symbolization or association around to make the statue look Majestic as the so powerful, great King Parakramabahu, who without doubt was one of the most honored in Sri lankan history.
worst is the shed built to shade this precious statue. It is a real shame.
worst is the shed built to shade this precious statue. It is a real shame.
Written 14 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sudharma C
Kuala Lumpur192 contributions
July 2013 • Friends
a lot of different stories as to who actually the statute represents.
some says it King Parakramabahu the Great, others say it is Agastaya, other another sage from a different era.
for me, i believe it is King Parakramabahu.
a truly wonderful piece of art.
may it stand till the end of days.
some says it King Parakramabahu the Great, others say it is Agastaya, other another sage from a different era.
for me, i believe it is King Parakramabahu.
a truly wonderful piece of art.
may it stand till the end of days.
Written 21 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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