Gal Vihara, Buddhist rock temple in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Gal Vihara is a Buddhist temple in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, with four Buddha statues carved from the same granite rock. The complex lies at the edge of a forest area and shows, besides the reclining figure, three other representations in seated or standing postures.
A 12th-century king founded this temple as part of a larger monastic center. The complex remained hidden in the jungle for centuries after the decline of Polonnaruwa until British researchers uncovered it in the 19th century.
The rock figures come from a period when sculptors began to depart from Indian models and develop their own forms. Several monks still live in the forest area around the sculptures today and maintain the old tradition of meditation at this location.
Visitors must remove their shoes before stepping onto the platform in front of the sculptures and keep their shoulders covered. The temple area lies somewhat secluded within the archaeological park, so a bicycle or tuk-tuk makes exploring easier.
The standing figure carries arms crossed over the chest, a gesture that some researchers attribute to the disciple Ananda rather than the Buddha himself. Originally, a small brick shelter stood in front of each image, but these have now disappeared.
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