Vatadage
- The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved circular relic houses in Sri Lanka.It was built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I or King Nissanka Malla in the 12th century to protect a sacred relic, possibly the Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
- The structure stands on a raised stone terrace with two beautifully carved stone stairways leading to the main platform.
- At the top, four seated Buddha statues face the four cardinal directions, symbolizing peace and spiritual harmony.
- The outer stone walls are decorated with intricate carvings of lotus petals, lions, dwarfs, and other symbolic motifs.
- The Vatadage perfectly represents the architectural genius and artistic excellence of the Polonnaruwa period.
- The circular design, unique to Sri Lanka, was meant to provide protection to sacred relics and to symbolize eternity.
- Visitors can still admire the moonstones and guardstones at the entrances — masterpieces of ancient Sinhalese stone carving.
- The Vatadage remains a serene and sacred place, connecting today's visitors to the spiritual heart of ancient Polonnaruwa.
