Shiva Devalaya
There are several Shiva Devalayas in Polonnaruwa showcasing the evidence of Hindu influences on Buddhist culture due to the invasion of South Indian Emperors. Temples of Lord Shiva were incredibly well-built using fine, precious cut stones from the 9th century onwards. The architectural style found here belongs to Pandyan ancestry.
The Vishnu temple known as Naipena or Cobra Hood Vihara and Shiva Devalaya are relatively close together as both of them are at the Northern end of the Polonnaruwa ancient urban complex. However, Vishnu temple has not survived due to several reasons but Shiva temple went under restoration and still remains with the original beauty.
It consists of three parts such as Garbhagriha (sanctum), Antarala (vestibule) and Mandapa which is like a courtyard. The five chambers inside the sanctum feature the sculptures of the yoni and lingam representing the main divine couple Parvati and Shiva as the centerpieces. There are statues of these two deities, shiva and shakthi. This shows Shiva in his multi-armed form of Nataraja, dancing out to the beat of creation and destruction.
