An unusually shaped brick building, the Pabalu Vehera was probably commissioned by Queen Rupavati, one of the consorts of Parakramabahu of Polonnaruwa. There are quite a few monastic complexes in Polonnaruwa compared to the earlier kingdom of Anuradhapura. The name Pabalu Vehera comes from the glass beads that were found in the vicinity of the monastic complex, while the actual name of the place is actually unknown. From the outside, we see that this rather impressive building is like a stupa atop a second stupa, a queer design not seen anywhere else in the country.

A stupa in the ancient city. Not many people visit the place as it is slightly off the main route.

The origin of this unusually shaped Pabalu Vehera stupa is unknown but it is believed to been built by one of the king Parakramabahu’s ( 1153-1186 AD) consorts, queen Rupawathi. The original name of this stupa is not known. The current name “Pabalu” (meaning beads) was derived from the fact that a large number of small glass beads being found during the excavation of the area around the stupa. Top part of the stupa has been destroyed by invaders and centre of the stupa also has been destroyed probably by treasure hunters in the recent times.

Pabulu Vihara (Parakrama Vihara) This ancient dagoba is the 3rd largest in Polonnaruwa and was built by Rupavati, one of Parakramabahu’s queens in the 12th century. A life sized Buddha statue discovered here is thought to have been of the Amarvathi School of Art.

This Buddhist stupa was off the road to the Shiva temple. It is fairly small but has some good statuary around it. It is also well mowed and maybe a 15-20 minute stop. I spent a little while longer as I happened upon a big green snake in the grass. I kept a good distance but was surprised to see this 4-5 foot snake.

it is believed to been built by one of the king Parakramabahu’s ( 1153-1186 AD) consorts, queen Rupawathi. Situated inside Polonnaruwa's main archaeological site.

Nice stupa with small houses around it

Another stupa in ancient city of Polonnaruwa with an uncommon shape. It is said that a lot of beads were found in the surrounding area of the stupa, therefore it got its name "Pabalu vehera"