MY SRI LANKAArchitectural characteristics indicate that Toluvila is a Pabbata Vihara Complex, with a distinctive moat encircling the Vihara complex. Numerous dilapidated structures encompass the central image house, which is elevated on a platform. Although no statues remain, this main image house stands out as the most prominent and well-preserved feature of the site.
The monasteries in question are characterized by a spacious rectangular area or sacred quadrangle, which houses four main shrines: a stupa, a bodhighara, a patimaghara, and a prasada, specifically identified as the uposathaghara. In Anuradhapura, there are several temples following this tradition, namely Vijayaramaya, Pankuliya Asokaramaya, Pacina Tissa Pabbatha Viharaya, Puliyankulama Pabbata Viharaya (Pubbaramaya), Toluvila, and Vessagiriya. Additionally, there are other provincial sites where Pabbata Vihara have been recognized, such as Kaludiya Pokuna (Dhakkinagiri Viharaya) in Dambulla, Lahugala Magul Maha Viharaya, Menikdena, Pulukunava in the Gal Oya valley, a cluster of shrines at the base of the rock in Sigiriya, and Moragoda in Padaviya
The monastery at Toluvila dates back to the late Anuradhapura period, spanning from the 7th to the 9th centuries. Although the original name of this site remains unknown, it is currently referred to as Toluvila, after the village in which it is located.
Toluvila is home to the remains of a grand image house, featuring three granite statues - one seated and two standing. The seated statue, depicting the Samadhi posture, stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches. Regarded as the most exquisite Samadhi Statue in Sri Lanka, it has been relocated to the National Museum in Colombo. Additionally, a smaller bronze replica of the granite statue, discovered beneath the seat, is also housed in the National Museum.
The architectural design of the image house at Toluvila is captivating. Enclosed within the monastery's outer walls is the shrine complex, with the sacred quadrangle to the north and the shrine complex to the south. Some experts suggest that this structure may have served as a Bodhigara rather than an image house.
The monastery boasts over 100 scattered ruins, with the sacred enclosure positioned at the northern end on an elevated bank of earth. This area includes a small stupa at the northeast corner, an image house to the south of the stupa, a second image house to the west, and a Vatadage that once housed a miniature stupa. While the stupa at the northeast corner is a striking structure, it has unfortunately been looted of its treasures. Surrounding the stupa are four flower letters, adding to the historical significance of the site.
