Signage number 1: Among the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnnaruva, the Potgul Vehera monastic complex is the furthest to the south. Although it is popularly known as Potgul Vehera, whether it is the ancient name of the complex is doubtful, because the records do not indicate any monastery by that name. Some scholars have suggested that that this could be either the Kapila Vehera or Mandala Mandira mentioned in the Mahāvamsa. The circular building in the center of the square terrace in the monastery complex is a peculiar feature here, and a monastery with such a layout has not been found anywhere in the island although monasteries similar to this are seen in many Southeast Asian cultures. The statue carved out of the boulder to the north of Potgul Vehera is an exquisite work of art belonging to the Polonnnaruva Period. It is popularly known as that of King Parākramabāhu the Great (1153-1186 AD) and there may be a link between the presence of something like a book in its hands and the naming of the monastery as Potgul Vehera, pot meaning book.
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