Kali Devale is a ruined Hindu temple situated in the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It forms a trio with the Siva Devale No. 5 and Visnu Devale No. 3 to the west of the hummock near the Minneriya- Polonnaruwa road (Prematilleke, 1990). It has been dedicated to the goddess Kali (consort of Siva), one of the deities of the Hindu pantheon.
History
The construction date or the builder of this shrine is not known. However, it is believed to have been constructed during the Cola Period of Sri Lanka (1017-1070 A.D.).
The temple
The temple is entirely built of brick. It consisted of 3 parts; viz: the Garbha (sanctum), Antharalaya (vestibule) and Mandapa (Prematilleke, 1990). The remains of a Makara Thorana (dragon arch) flanked by ornamental pilasters are found on the wall surface on the north, south and west (Prematilleke, 1990).
A sculpture in high relief depicting goddess Kali in her ferocious aspect of destroying Mahisasura has been unearthed from the site (Prematilleke, 1990). It is 4 ft. 6 inches high and Kali is represented with eight arms carrying traditional emblems; the sword, club, and conch (Prematilleke, 1990).
See also
References
1) Prematilleke, L., 1990. The architecture of the Polonnaruwa Period 800 - 1200 A.D. [Wijesekara, N. (Editor in chief)]. Archaeological Department centenary (1890-1990): Commemorative series: Volume III: Architecture. Department of Archaeology (Sri Lanka). p.57.
Location Map
This page was last updated on 7 January 2023
