Siva Devalaya No:2

Aliaksandr Yarmishyn - Google

An inscription on a stone wall reveals that following his successful conquest during the 10th century the Chola Invader Rajaraja I built this impressive Dravidian style shrine dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The building demonstrates some exquisite stone works inherited from the Chola invasions and cultural influences they have made. It is the oldest Hindu shrine in Polonnaruwa.

In Front of the temple are two sculptures of Nandi Wrushaba, figures of stone bulls. Bulls are believed to be the vehicle of God Shiva. The outer walls of the shrine have some superb stone carvings, and stone pillars shouldering the roof.

The shrine was originally named as “Vanavan Mahadevi Varma”, and believed to be named after Rajaraja’s Queen. After their conquest Cholas acquired Anuradhapura Kingdom and ruled the northern half of Sri Lanka, they established their military outposts and ruling centers in Polonnaruwa. However it was Rajaraja’s son Rajendra I who completed the conquest. In the 11th century the Sinhalese King Vijayabahu I defeated the Chola invaders and reunited the island after a century.