Thuparama Image House
The Thuparama Image House, situated in the ancient capital of Polonnaruwa, is a remarkable building that features a brick roof, a rare sight in Sri Lanka. Despite the passage of over 900 years, most of the building has survived intact. The roof has a semi-cylindrical shape, and the identity of the builder and the original name of the image house is unknown. Some believe that it was built by Mahinda, a minister of King Parakramabahu (1153-1186), to house the tooth relic, while others think that it was constructed by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110).
The walls of the building are approximately 7 feet (2 meters) thick, and a large seated Buddha statue was once located inside. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the statue today. Legend has it that the statue's eyes were adorned with precious stones and the windows were designed to reflect sunlight onto them, illuminating the interior of the image house.
The walls of the building are approximately 7 feet (2 meters) thick, and a large seated Buddha statue was once located inside. Unfortunately, nothing remains of the statue today. Legend has it that the statue's eyes were adorned with precious stones and the windows were designed to reflect sunlight onto them, illuminating the interior of the image house.
