Panduwasnuwara Srilanka

The location currently known as Parakramapura is situated in the city of Dakkhinadesa. It was established by King Parakramabahu the Great during his time as the sub-king of what is now Panduwasnuwara. The name Panduwasnuwara is thought to have emerged during the most recent Kurunegala period.

Locals often mistakenly refer to this site as the ancient capital of King Panduwasadeva, who ruled from 504 BC to 474 BC. They associate the structure called Chakrawalaya, a circular tower where Princess Unmada Chitra was said to be confined by her brothers, with legends about the area. Nearby lies a village named Dorabawa, which is believed to be linked to the Doramadalawa village, where Prince Pandukabhaya is thought to have spent his childhood. However, no archaeological evidence has substantiated these tales.

Another theory suggests that the name Panduwasnuwara was derived from an ancient tank called Panda Wewa located in the vicinity.

After succeeding his uncle, King Kirti Sri Megha, Prince Parakramabahu took control of Dakkhinadesa in 1140 A.D. This became Parakramabahu’s first capital and was one of the three distinct kingdoms that divided the island. Historical accounts affirm that King Parakramabahu initiated various infrastructure projects and community facilities in his realm. He even built a separate temple within the premises of Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Vihara to safeguard the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Following a series of victories over his adversaries, Parakramabahu unified the nation and transitioned his capital to Polonnaruwa, bringing the revered tooth relic with him as a symbol of his authority.

The ruins spread across approximately 20 hectares in Panduwasnuwara date back to the 12th century A.D. Notable structures include a palace, monasteries, image houses, dagobas, monks' living quarters, intricately carved pillars, guard stones, and various ancient edifices. The remnants of the palace are encircled by a moat and brick ramparts, featuring a ground plan reminiscent of King Parakramabahu’s palace in Polonnaruwa. An inscription found on a stone seat indicates that King Kirti Sri Nissankamalla, who reigned from 1187 to 1196 A.D., visited this palace during one of his tours.

To the south and north of the palace lie the ruins of several monasteries showcasing the Panchayathana architectural style. Each monastery features stupas, image houses, Bodhighara, and living quarters. In addition to Sinhalese inscriptions, one monastery also contains a Tamil inscription dating back to the reign of Nissankamalla.

At the center of the ruin site stands a modern temple known as Panduwas Nuwara Raja Maha Vihara, which includes a small Tempita Vihara (a temple on pillars) and several pillar inscriptions from the 9th to 10th centuries A.D.