Alahana Pirivena

Alahana Pirivena
Alahana Pirivena (Sinhala: ආලාහන පිරිවෙන) (lit: Crematory Monastery) is the largest monastery complex located in the Polonnaruwa Ancient City , Sri Lanka. History The Pirivena was established by King Parakramabahu I [(1153-1186 A.D.) Jayasuriya, 2016; Nicholas, 1963; Wikramagamage, 2004]. Its name "Alahana" suggests that the site had been a former cremation ground and this has been confirmed by archaeological excavations carried out here in several places (Jayasuriya, 2016). The small Stupas at the site are believed to have been constructed on the cremation grounds of prelates or royals. As mentioned in chronicles, the limits of Alahana Pirivena had been marked by 10 boundary stones and it comprised; Lankathilaka Pilima Ge, Rupavathi Thupa, Subaddha Cetiya, Baddhasima Prasada, Khandasima, a Pasada and several other buildings (Nicholas, 1963). The monastery Alahana Pirivena is considered the largest monastery complex in Polonnaruwa. Located on a hillock, it is bound in the North by …