Built entirely of stone in the 11th century, Siva Devale No. 2 is the oldest and best-preserved Hindu temple within the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Why visit Polonnaruwa Siva Devale No.2

• Oldest Surviving Structure: Shiva Devale No. 2 is considered the oldest surviving monument/building in Polonnaruwa. It was built during the Chola occupation period (early 11th century, around 993–1070 CE), predating most of the later Sinhalese Buddhist structures that dominate the city today.
• Entirely Stone Construction: The temple was built entirely of stone, unlike many of the other ancient buildings in the area. This has allowed it to remain in excellent condition and retain its original design, including its dome.
• Hindu and Chola Heritage:It is a key example of Chola-style Tamil architecture in Sri Lanka. Inscriptions show it was originally named Vanavan Madevi Isvaram (or similar) after Vanavan Madevi, the primary queen of the Chola conqueror Rajendra I.
• Architectural Design: The temple's design is typical of South Indian monuments, with a square sanctum and an east-facing hall. The sanctum once held a lingam, which is a symbol of Shiva.
• Home to Nandi the Bull: The temple features a statue of Nandi, the sacred bull and mount of the deity Shiva. This adds to its unique identity as a site of Hindu worship..