- Gal Vihare
The Gal Vihare is a rock temple of the Buddha situated in north-central
Sri Lanka . It was constructed inPolonnaruwa in the 12th century byParakramabahu the Great . His architects excavated the shrine and left an inscription describing their work.cite book| last =Jones-Bateman| first =R| title =An illustrated guide to the buried cities of Ceylon| publisher =Queen's Hotel, Kandy| date =1932| location =Kandy| id = OCLC|363716]The central attraction of the shrine are four large statues of the Buddha, which were carved into the face of a granite boulder by Parakramabahu's architects. These include a recumbent statue of the Buddha measuring 46 ft. and a standing statue which is 23 ft. in height. cite web|url=http://www.slmts.slt.lk/polonnaruwa.htm |title=The Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa |accessdate=2007-07-24 |work=Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism ]
There is also a standing figure on a lotus throne inside the shrine which has been identified by some historians to be that of
Ananda , the Buddha's chief disciple, weeping over the recumbent figure of the Buddha who has just attainedNirvana . However some, including Dr. Andreas Nell disagree, suggesting the figure is that of the Buddha, and the expression of sorrow is due towear caused by the elements.ee also
*
Polonnaruwa Kingdom
*Polonnaruwa References
External links
* [http://discover.lankanest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=64&Itemid=78.html/ Discover Sri Lanka - More information & images about Gal Viharaya]
* [http://www.lankalibrary.com/heritage/temples/galvihara.htm Galvihara - a unique display of rock art]
* [http://www.lankalibrary.com/heritage/polon.htm Ancient Polonnaruwa and its environs]
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