Polonnaruwa Vatadage

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a circular relic house built in the 12th century to enshrine a tooth relic of the Buddha, and is considered the most complete and architecturally refined example of the vatadage form in Sri Lanka. The structure consists of two concentric circular terraces with elaborately carved moonstones and balustrades at each of the four entrances, a central dagoba, and four seated Buddha statues facing the cardinal directions. The carvings on the entrance moonstones are in particularly good condition, showing the characteristic bands of geese, horses, elephants, lions, and lotuses. The Vatadage sits within the Dalada Maluwa (Terrace of the Tooth Relic) in the heart of Polonnaruwa's ceremonial centre. Arrive at dawn when no other tourists are present and the carved stone catches the low eastern light.