Galvihara, Polonnoruwa, Sri Lanka.

 Photo taken in the 1930 and photo taken by me in 2010 July.
Galvihara was constructed by King Parakramabahu 1 -(Arm strong) in the 12th Century AD.
"The larger seated Buddha is framed by Sanchi-style arch, with tiny bodhisattavas looking down on him from their celestial dwellings-perhaps showing a touch of Mahayana Buddhist influence, with its belief in Bodhisattvas".

The 'moon-stone'

A piece of granite worked in concentric circles is seen used as the first step in various important buildings situated in the area named the 'cultural triangle' of Sri Lanka. These pictures were taken by me from Polonnoruwa, Sri Lanka. The concentric circles are said to represent the various stages in the evolution of a being ending in the central area of liberation. The intriguing question is why a sacred symbol like this is used as a door-step. Therein lies a bit of history according to some. The philosophies which deviated from the Southern Theravada doctrines of Buddhism had used these symbols. When the Southern doctrines got the upper hand it is said, that these acts were done, to denigrate the 'heretical vaithulyavada sects'.

A 'book in stone' - ' gal potha' S-Polonnoruwa

26m long, Gal Potha (Stone Book), details the achievements of King Nissankamalla, heir to the Great King Parakramabahu.This is found in present day Polonnoruwa, Sri Lanka. It was originally said to have been installed in Mihinthale, nearly 50 miles away. It had been transported to this site those days, using elephants.

'Cess-pit' ?, Polonnoruwa, 14th Century Present Era.

This is supposed to be a cess-pit constructed in the 14th Century at Polonnoruwa, Sri Lanka. It is lined with rings of baked clay.

Indian pond heron, Polonnaruwa.

I saw this beautiful bird in a pond near Gal-Vihare, Polonnoruwa. Sri Lanka.