Polonnaruwa Vatadage

The Polonnaruwa Vatadage (House of relic) is one of the best preserved ancient structures of the kingdom of Polonnaruwa that existed during the 11th - 14th century CE. Its origins may be conflicted by many historic texts, however, it is widely believed to be a shrine of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha during the kingdom’s glory days, which makes the stone structure a very significant part of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist culture and history.

Best Known For

• The vatadage is more or less unique architecture of ancient Sri Lanka, which exists in many parts of the country, but it is best expressed by this single monument in Polonnaruwa, as it is the least damaged and has undergone extensive restoration throughout the years.
• Since the Vatadage is located in the Dalada Maluwa or ‘Hall of Relic’, it is virtually surrounded by a gorgeous riot of artistry, with almost every surface carved in a melee of decoration.
• The reason for being one of the most visited monuments in Sri Lanka is due to its significant history, as it is believed that King Parakramabahu the Great (1164 - 1196 CE) built it as a shrine for the sacred tooth relic that belonged to Lord Buddha.

Interesting Facts

• The Polonnaruwa Vatadage’s origins are hazy due to many sources claiming it to be built by different rulers with different purposes.
• The most widely held story comes from the Culavamsa (a chronicle that has documented the monarchs in the country) where King Parakramabahu the Great built this structure to enshrine the sacred tooth relic.
• However, the Rajavaliya and Poojavaliya, which are also important ancient chronicles, state that it was built by King Nissankamalla (1198 - 1206 CE) and was built with the intention to hold the bowl used by Lord Buddha for alms.
• The Vatadage is believed to have been an elaborate structure that had four entrances in which a sitting statue of Buddha presides at each entrance. The centre of the structure is the ruined stupa that once housed the sacred tooth relic.
• However, the structure now lays in ruin due to the Dravidian invaders that came from South India in early 14th century CE and destroyed the historic monument further ending the reign of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom.