Pothgul Viharaya
Pothgul Viharaya
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4.0
42 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
18
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kai Wah
Malaysia3,773 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This was our first stop when visiting the Polonnaruwa Ancient Site. It is believed to be another great work of ancient architecture built by the King Parakramabahu. the Great since 12th. The site includes the statue of King Parakramabahu I, monastery and library complex back then in Polonnaruwa Kingdom. Hence, the oldest library in Sri Lanka. Must visit and a starting point when visiting the Polonnaruwa Ancient Site.
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.
Janka K
Brno, Czech Republic8,288 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This is one of the stops for Polonnaruwa historical sight tour and it's a smaller stop where you can find building ruins and a lot of grass and trees everywhere. This makes it a nice calm walk. It felt definitely less touristic and crowded as the other places in the town.
The tickets need to be bought at the ticket office of Archeological museum in Polonnaruwa.
The tickets need to be bought at the ticket office of Archeological museum in Polonnaruwa.
Written 2 April 2023
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.
Sunimal R
Invercargill, New Zealand434 contributions
July 2018 • Solo
The statue erected on the rock in a corner of the Pothgul vihara which bordering Parakrama Samudra. For a long time locals believe that the statue is Parakramabahu the Great who reigns in the golden era of Polonnaruwa kingdom.
However some critics say this is the statue of either Pulasthi, Agasthi or Kapila irshi....
Some scholars suspects this statue has similarities between South Indian statues ...
However some critics say this is the statue of either Pulasthi, Agasthi or Kapila irshi....
Some scholars suspects this statue has similarities between South Indian statues ...
Written 30 October 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.
PeteLucy434
Uxbridge, UK1,977 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Free to wander around next to the lake and very interesting site. Beware of monkeys, however, taking possessions.
Written 1 February 2016
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.
DipuKV
Pune, India3,164 contributions
Dec 2019
Polonnaruwa is well-maintained. Pothgul Viharaya is an important monument, highlighting the key aspects of the place.
Written 13 January 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.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland11,261 contributions
July 2018 • Friends
We were very taken by this absolutely beautiful ruined library that dayes all the way back to the 12th century constructed by Parakamabahu the Great and is reputed to be the worlds oldest library. Much of the brickworks survive and for some reason we found the place absolutely enchanting. You can wander around inside the ruins and there is an especially captivating circular interior chamber.
It is a bit away from the rest of the Polonnaruwa ruins but is an absolute must see. The statue of Parakambahu is nearby though and in that he is holding a palm leaf book such as would have been kept in this majestic old building.
An absolute joy but make sure you hire a guide as it will really give you a sense of the place, a lot ore than any book or set of display boards will in my opinion.
It is a bit away from the rest of the Polonnaruwa ruins but is an absolute must see. The statue of Parakambahu is nearby though and in that he is holding a palm leaf book such as would have been kept in this majestic old building.
An absolute joy but make sure you hire a guide as it will really give you a sense of the place, a lot ore than any book or set of display boards will in my opinion.
Written 4 August 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.
NishD
Kandy, Sri Lanka438 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
Built is 1153-1185 AD .The place is known to be the oldest library or book store. It was made of bricks and was constructed by Parakamabahu the Great and later seems renovated .You can find most of these facts in front of the place or talking to officials there .The name "pothgul" means Bookstore .
Written 1 July 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.
Honisoiquimalypense
Derby, UK1,306 contributions
Mar 2018 • Solo
This is a small complex that sits to the south of the main Polonnaruwa complex. The site contains a main circular brick image house with a sandstone door frame, that has 4 small dagobas around it. It is thought that the main building was a library for sacred texts.There is not that much here. However, about 300 yards to the west is a 10 ft carving of a figure holding a "palm leaf book" - thought to be of "Parakramabahu", himself. There are questions about this though. The figure is unusual in that it sports a large beard and moustache and a a small rabbit on his let shoulder!!
To be honest, with out the carving, this site could be misse dout!
To be honest, with out the carving, this site could be misse dout!
Written 26 March 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.
mrdom
8,119 contributions
Jan 2018 • Solo
It's worth coming down here to ride along the lakeside Bund. It was quiet when I got here but quickly filled with tour groups, so it's not off the radar. An interesting round building that looks different from all angles. Near the statue.
Written 26 January 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.
SEs
London, UK25,869 contributions
Nov 2017 • Friends
This is also an ancient Buddhist temple and library .Worth the visit.You will see on your walk .Like others it's in a state of ruin.
Written 23 November 2017
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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