The reclining Buddha represents his passage from this world into Nirvana. The statues of the Gal Vihara were constructed in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu (who did more than any other monach to advance Polonnaruwa).
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![[37] Nirvana Buddha](http://images.travelpod.com/users/el_condor/asia_2005.1143129300.picture_037.jpg)
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