Gal Viharaya, built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th c., has four rock-carved Buddha statues plus a historic Sangha ordinance inscription.
Gal Viharaya (Polonnaruwa) G al Viharaya (ancient name Uttararamaya ; lit. Rock Monastery; Sinhala: ගල් විහාරය, Tamil: கல் விகாரை) is a Buddhist temple located in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa , Sri Lanka. The temple was built by King Parakramabahu I (1153-1186 A.D.). The site mainly consists of four rock-cut Buddhist sculptures, viz: a standing statue, a reclining statue, and two meditating statues. Three of them are of colossal size and lie open to the sky while the fourth statue which is of moderate size, lies sheltered in an excavated cave. Also, an inscription including the Sangha amendments is found inscribed on the rock surface between the standing statue and the cave shrine known as Nisinna-patima Lena . All the monuments are carved on a rock boulder lying southwest to northeast (Fernando, 1960). The statues are well known among the locals as well as foreigners because of their unique and exquisite workmanship. History The site is identified with the ancient Uttararamaya built by King Parakramabahu the Great.…
