Parakramabahu's Council Chamber, Polonnaruwa

Stone stairs leading up to Parakramabahu's Council Chamber (29 August, 2005)


King Parakramabahu's Council Chamber is an ancient meeting place of the ruler's ministers. It is located within walking distance from Vijayanta Pasada, the King Parakramabahu's palace. Although the wooden roof of the building is now long gone, we can still see its elegantly carved pillars under which the great king used to be seated and hold council.

Parakramabahu's Council Chamber (29 August, 2005)


At the entrance to the Council Chamber of King Parakramabahu are two flights of steps with moonstones. Unlike the moonstone of Anuradhapura, those in Polonnaruwa do not represent the bull, out of respect for Hindus. Franking them are makaras, mythical dragon-like beasts, giving it an appearance resembling a Maya or Aztec pyramid.

The acoustic of the council chamber is said to be so good that the king can hear his ministers even those standing at the far end of the chamber.

Elephant carving at Parakramabahu's Council Chamber (29 August, 2005)


The base of Parakramabahu's Council Chamber (29 August, 2005)


Pillars that once supported the roof of Parakramabahu's Council Chamber (29 August, 2005)

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