Abstract:
This study examines the historical significance of the Polonnaruwa Pothgul Viharaya in the Polonnaruwa Kingdom of Sri Lanka, with a particular focus on its role in fostering literature during that period. The Polonnaruwa Pothgul Viharaya, a renowned Buddhist temple or library, holds immense importance as a symbol of the kingdom's cultural and intellectual development. During the Polonnaruwa period, which spanned from the 11th to the 13th centuries CE, the literacy and literary achievements of the kingdom were greatly nourished by the influence of the Sanskrit language. The Polonnaruwa Pothgul Viharaya stands out as one of the prominent landmarks distinguishing this era from its predecessor, the Anuradhapura period. This library served as a vital center for education, where Buddhist monks and lay scholars who had mastered languages such as Sinhala, Pali, and Sanskrit composed numerous valuable academic books. The royal patronage for literature during this period further elevated the status of the library, as the kings recognized its significance in promoting intellectual and cultural growth within the kingdom. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy contributions of the Polonnaruwa Pothgul Viharaya was the establishment of libraries. These libraries played a pivotal role in the development and preservation of literature during the Polonnaruwa period. The availability of a wide range of texts and manuscripts facilitated research and intellectual exchange, leading to advancements in various fields of knowledge. Through a qualitative research method, the historical significance of the Polonnaruwa Pothgul Viharaya and its associated libraries has been examined. The findings highlight their crucial role in fostering literature and the intellectual pursuits of the time, shedding light on the cultural, educational, and social aspects of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.
