Panduwasnuwara | Kurunegala

About this Attraction

As I arrived at Panduwasnuwara, the air was thick with history. Unlike the grand and bustling ruins of Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, this ancient city had a quiet, almost mystical charm. Surrounded by lush greenery, the scattered ruins stood as silent witnesses to a once-thriving kingdom. Walking through the site, I could almost hear the echoes of an era long gone, where King Parakramabahu ruled and the Sacred Tooth Relic was once housed.

The Journey to Panduwasnuwara

The drive from Kurunegala to Panduwasnuwara, about 19 km from Wariyapola, was a scenic one. The winding roads took me through quaint villages, golden paddy fields, and serene landscapes. As I approached, the Kotampitiya area, where the ruins are located, came into view. The Wariyapola-Chilaw main road runs nearby, making access to this historical treasure quite convenient.

Exploring the Ruins – Walking Through History

One of the most intriguing aspects of Panduwasnuwara is its vast archaeological site, spanning over 20 hectares. Unlike more popular heritage sites, this place still feels undiscovered, with some areas yet to be excavated. As I walked around, I encountered remnants of:

• The Royal Palace: Encircled by a moat and brick rampart, the palace ruins resemble King Parakramabahu's castle in Polonnaruwa. I stood where history was made, imagining the grandeur of a palace that once governed a powerful kingdom.
• Monasteries and Temples: The Panchayathana monasteries stood in quiet dignity, with their stupas, Bodhigharas (tree shrines), and intricately carved image houses. I learned one of the inscriptions here was in Tamil, indicating the diverse influences in this region.
• The Stone Seat Inscription: This stone seat, bearing a 12th-century inscription, revealed that King Kirti Sri Nissankamalla visited this place. Reading about his travels and victories in stone was like unravelling a page from a medieval manuscript.

The Mystery of Panduwasnuwara’s Name

While many believe this site is connected to King Panduwasadeva (504–474 BC), archaeologists suggest it was Parakramapura, the ruling city of Dakkhinadesa under King Parakramabahu the Great. The name Panduwasnuwara, it turns out, likely originated from an ancient reservoir nearby, "Panda Wewa". These historical misconceptions made my visit even more fascinating—it was like peeling back layers of time.

A Glimpse of the Sacred Tooth Relic’s Journey

One of the most awe-inspiring facts about Panduwasnuwara is that it once housed the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Standing within the ruins of the Tooth Relic Temple, I imagined the grand processions and rituals that once took place here before the relic was moved to Polonnaruwa.

Walking Through the Forgotten Kingdom

Unlike the bustling ruins of Polonnaruwa, Panduwasnuwara had an untouched, almost hidden-gem quality. As I strolled through the ancient streets, I imagined merchants trading goods, monks engaged in deep meditation, and royal guards standing watch. The absence of large crowds made it an intimate and deeply immersive experience.

The Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Vihara – A Living Link to the Past

In the heart of the ruins stands the Panduwasnuwara Raja Maha Vihara, a modern Buddhist temple preserving the legacy of this ancient kingdom. Within its grounds, I found a small Tempita Vihara (a temple on pillars) and ancient pillar inscriptions dating back to the 9th–10th century. It was remarkable to see how history and religion coexist in this sacred space.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Panduwasnuwara was like stepping into a forgotten chapter of Sri Lankan history. It may not have the grand structures of Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, but its quiet beauty, rich heritage, and archaeological intrigue make it an underrated treasure. Walking through its ruins, I felt a deep connection to Sri Lanka’s past—where kings ruled, monks meditated, and history was written in stone.

For history lovers and off-the-beaten-path explorers, Panduwasnuwara is a must-visit. Whether you’re drawn by its royal past, ancient temples, or its connection to the Sacred Tooth Relic, this forgotten capital is where the echoes of the past still whisper through the ruins.

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H4X3+Q93, Kottamba Pitiya, Sri Lanka

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