Gal Vihara

Gal Vihara at Polonnaruwa is a Buddhist Temple with a perfect specimen of Buddha statue hewn out of solid stone. Crafted during the reign of King Parakrabahu, the Gal Vihara statues are in complete preservation with their irresistible charm and sublimity. The sculptors of Gal Vihara are undeniably of greater skill and expertise. The images at Gal Vihara have brought about higher level of awakening in the observers with respect of Buddhist art in Sri Lanka.

Caves of Gal Vihara
Gal Vihara consists of four cave shrines with sculptures hallowed out of a granite rock. The various caves of Gal Vihara are -

Cave of Vijjadharas - The cave of Vijjadharas consists of a main image of Buddha sculpted out of the rock boulder, having carved round and four small bas relief carvings of Buddha. The small bas relief statues are carved on either sides, above the head of the main image.

Excavated Cave - Housing an image of Buddha in dhayana mudra, sculpted out of the rock boulder, the image herein is smaller than the main image at Vijadhara Cave.

Cave of Standing Image - The cave houses a Buddhist statue rising to 7 meters in height, which stands on a lotus pedestal called Padmasana. Padmasana signifies that Buddha is a transcendental being.

Cave of Reclining Image - The argument over the massive statue of Buddha with respect to his posture of passing away and the posture of reclining was won over by the proponents who established that the great statue at this cave is a reclining image. The reclining Buddha is 14m long.

About Gal Vihara
Admire the statues which demonstrate some of the finest examples of Sinhalese rock carving. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you appreciate the three other statues in the temple; the seated Buddha, the reclining Buddha, and Vidyhadhara Guha.

Shoes are not allowed within the premises, so you need to carry your socks to walk around the sometimes hot ground.