In the heart of Polonnaruwa’s Sacred Quadrangle lies the breathtaking Polonnaruwa Vatadage, one of
Sri Lanka’s finest examples of ancient architecture. Built during the reign of King Parakramabahu the
Great (12th century) and later improved by King Nissanka Malla, this circular relic shrine once enshrined
the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha — making it one of the holiest sites of the medieval capital.
A Masterpiece of Stone Craftsmanship:
The Vatadage is a perfectly symmetrical circular shrine built on a raised stone platform with two
concentric terraces. Four intricately carved stairways, each facing a cardinal direction, lead to seated
Buddha statues placed around a central stupa.
Its moonstones, guardstones, and balustrades are among the finest carvings in Sri Lanka, showing
exquisite craftsmanship and deep spiritual symbolism.
- Admire the Four Buddha Statues 🧘🗿: Each statue faces a cardinal direction 🧭, symbolizing peace 🕊️ in all directions ✨🙏
- Explore the Moonstones 🌕🔍: Observe the detailed carvings 🎨 representing the Buddhist cycle of life ☸️🔄
- Photography 📸: Capture the symmetry ⚖️ and texture 🧱 of the circular shrine in soft morning light 🌅🧡
- Visit Nearby Monuments 🏛️📍: The Quadrangle also houses the Thuparama ⚪, Hatadage 🕌, and Satmahal Prasada 🧱🗺️
- 🚗 From Polonnaruwa Town: 10 minutes by car or bicycle within the main archaeological park.
- 🛣️ From Colombo: Around 5.5 hours by car via Kurunegala–Dambulla–Habarana route.
- 🚆 By Train: Travel to Kaduruwela Station and hire a tuk-tuk to the ancient city entrance.
- Remove shoes 👟 before stepping onto sacred platforms 🙏😌
- Respect religious artifacts 🗿 — do not touch 🚫 Buddha statues 🧘✨
- Bring a hat 🧢 and water 💧; shade 🌳 is limited 🥵 in the complex ☀️✅
- Use a local guide 🧑🦯 for historical context 📜 and hidden details 🔍💡
- 6:30 AM – Start at the Vatadage 🧱 for a calm morning visit 🌅😌📍
- 7:15 AM – Walk around the Sacred Quadrangle’s 🕌 main temples 🚶♀️🔍
- 8:00 AM – Explore the nearby Nissanka Latha Mandapaya 🏛️✨
- 9:00 AM – Stop for refreshments 🥤 in Polonnaruwa town 🥐😋
