Historical ruins of Thivanka Pilimageya surrounded by greenery

Thiwanka Pilimageya -A religious place full of beautiful Buddha statues

Thiwanka Pilimageya -A religious place full of beautiful Buddha statues

✈️ Why should you visit Sigiriya?

Thiwanka Pilimageya is a historic Buddhist shrine in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, renowned for its ancient frescoes and a unique, thrice-bent standing Buddha statue.
  • Unique Buddha Statue: The image house is named “Thivanka” because the large Buddha statue inside is bent in three places. These curves are at the shoulder, waist, and knee.
  • Intact Frescoes: The inner walls of the building are famous for their frescoes. These paintings depict Jataka Stories. Visitors can still see the colorful drawings.
  • Vaulted Brick Construction: The entire structure, including the statue, was built with bricks. It is a vaulted-type image house.
  • Massive Walls: The building’s walls are very thick, measuring 7 to 12 feet. This significantly reduces the internal space.
  • Part of a Larger Complex: Thivanka Pilimage was built by King Parakramabahu. It is part of the Jethavanarama Complex.

Entity

Government

Entrance

Paid

Wheelchair Access

No

Water

Available

Restaurants

Available

Toilets

Available

District: Polonnaruwa

Reach

Any vehicle

Road Quality

Good

Public Transport

Available

UNESCO heritage site Thivanka Pilimageya in Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka
Ancient stone carvings at Thivanka Pilimageya Polonnaruwa
Thivanka Pilimageya heritage site popular among tourists in Sri Lanka
Thivanka Pilimageya ancient Buddhist temple in Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka

Guidelines

Footwear : Remove shoes and hats before entering the shrine premises, as required in Buddhist temples. Preservation : Do not touch, lean on, or scratch the murals and statues. These are fragile archaeological treasures. Respectful Behavior : Maintain silence inside, avoid loud conversations, and show respect as this is a religious and historical site.