![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/B1B20EFE-E6E2-42CA-8EEF-ACBC91010D5F/C1JFP1.jpg)
Lankatileke vihara in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most splendid of Buddhist shrines in Asia in the 12th century.
Lankatileke in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. At the heart of the Alahana Pirivan is the remains at the towering Lankatilaka shrine, one of the most splendid of Buddhist shrines in Asia in the 12th century, is an enormous brick structure, include 55ft. high walls, elaborate carving and a colossal image of Buddha. Lankatilaka shrine Image House is a fine example of vaulted shrines called gedige. The colossal Buddha statue today sans the head, when intact would have measured 41ft in height. The exterior of the walls are decorated with stucco figures and architectural models. On the right balustrade is carved an exquisite figure of great beauty, in high relief that of Nagini, female counterpart of Nagaraja. Though Naga images are common in the guardstones at cultural monuments in Sri Lanka, Lankatilaka shrine is the only example where such images are found in balustrades.
Size: 3396px × 5074px
Location: Alahana Pirivan, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Photo credit: © Shreekant Jadhav / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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