Sathmahal Prasada
More mystery in the history of Polonnaruwa, this time in the unique stepped-pyramid shape of the Sathmahal Prasada stupa found inside the Dalada Maluwa.
Legend has it that this seven-storied building, which reflects the style of similar buildings found in Cambodia and Thailand, was made for Cambodian soldiers who were working for the then king.
Made of brick and over 30ft (9m) high, it does in fact closely resemble a stupa at Wat Kukut in Lamphun‚ Thailand, and reveals many architectural features common in South-East Asia.
As yet, no positive evidence has been unearthed to support the theory that this building was constructed by King Parakumbahu the Great, who ruled from 1153 to 1186.