Among the Buddhist ruins of Polonnaruwa stand a few rare and striking monuments — the Shiva
Devalayas, ancient Hindu temples that reveal the cultural fusion of Sri Lanka’s medieval period.
Built during the Chola rule (10th–11th century AD), these temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the
supreme deity in Hinduism, and are among the oldest surviving stone structures in Polonnaruwa.
History & Architecture:
When the South Indian Chola dynasty briefly ruled northern Sri Lanka, they brought with them their
Dravidian architectural style and religious traditions. The Shiva Devalayas are lasting testaments to that
era — beautifully crafted in granite and rich with Hindu symbolism.
Two main temples remain today:
Shiva Devalaya No. 1 – The oldest structure in Polonnaruwa, built entirely from stone with a simple yet
elegant design.
Shiva Devalaya No. 2 – Larger and more ornate, featuring stone carvings, lingams (sacred symbols of
Shiva), and decorative pillars.
Together, they showcase the deep cultural and artistic exchange that shaped Sri Lanka’s history.
- Admire Dravidian Architecture 🏛️: Notice the granite carvings 🗿, door frames 🚪, and roof designs ✨🔎
- See the Shiva Lingam 🕉️: The sacred stone 🙏 representing divine energy 🔥✨
- Photography 📸: Capture the contrast 🎭 between Hindu temples 🔔 and surrounding Buddhist monuments 🧘♀️🖼️
- Learn the History 📜: Discover how Hindu and Buddhist cultures 💡 coexisted in Polonnaruwa 🤝🗺️
- 🚗 From Polonnaruwa Town: 10 minutes by car or bicycle inside the archaeological park.
- 🛣️ From Colombo: Around 5.5 hours by car via Dambulla–Habarana route.
- 🚆 By Train: Get off at Kaduruwela Station and hire a tuk-tuk to the ancient city.
- Dress respectfully 👗 — temples are sacred to Hindu devotees 🙏🕉️
- Remove shoes 👟 before entering the inner shrine area 👣🔔
- Bring water 💧; most of the area is open ☀️ and sunny 😎🥵
- A local guide 🧑🏫 can explain carvings 🗿 and temple rituals ✨💡
- 6:30 AM ⏰ – Begin at Shiva Devalaya No. 1 🕉️ near the Royal Palace 🏰📍
- 7:15 AM 🔔 – Visit Shiva Devalaya No. 2 🗿 nearby 🧭✨
- 8:00 AM 🏛️ – Continue to the Sacred Quadrangle 🙏🐘
- 9:30 AM ☕ – Stop for breakfast 🥚 in Polonnaruwa town 🍽️😋
