• logo
  • HOME
  • STAY
  • ATTRACTIONS
  • TRAVEL DIARIES
  • CONTACT
  • E-Learning
  • USD
    • LKR
    • INR
    • CAD
    • EUR
  • Log In
call

Call Us Today!

+947 6881 6881
logo
  • HOME
  • STAY
  • ATTRACTIONS
  • TRAVEL DIARIES
  • CONTACT
  • E-Learning
  • CURRENCY (USD)
    • LKR
    • INR
    • CAD
    • EUR
  • Log In

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Home / Tourist attractions / Polonnaruwa Vatadage

Polonnaruwa Vatadage

  • Image gallery
  • 360 images

Vatadage is one of the unique, ancient buddhist architectures of Sri Lanka.  The best example of a vatadage is mostly believed to be the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, where the entire structure is decorated with stone carvings of the 12th century.


This monument was built by Parakramabahu I to hold the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha says the text ‘Chulavamsa’. But other texts such as the ‘Rajavaliya’ and the ‘ Poojavaliya’ claim that it was built by King Nissanka Malla and used as the depository for the alms bowl used by Lord Buddha. 
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage has two stone platforms which are lower and raised upper platform decorated with elaborate stone carvings. 
The lower platform is about 120 feet in diameter and approximately 4 feet in height from the ground level, consisting of a single entrance facing the north and decorated with friezes of lions and dwarfs and topped by an abstract lotus design. 


The upper platform contains the stupa surrounded by a circular brick wall and four doorways facing the four cardinal directions. These four entrances are adorned with magnificent stone carvings of moonstone at the northern entrance and guardian stones on the eastern entrance flanked by king cobra figures with seven hooded cobra head guardstones. There are four Buddha statues constructed on the wall facing each entrance of the upper platform. 


Three concentric rows of stone columns had also been positioned here, presumably to support a wooden dome. The current position of this architecture does not have its wooden roof but still can find large pillars that support the roof structure. 


Moreover, the four entrances of the complex display some exemplary sculptures of the Lord Buddha in the seated position carved from solid rock, along with other unique features that showcase some of the finest artistry in the whole kingdom.
 

Share:

Categories

  • Water & Green (24)
  • Spiritual (13)
  • Heritage (29)
  • Hotspot (18)
  • Best Pick (18)

Nearest attractions

Hatadage | Gateway to East
Hatadage
0.06 Km
Thuparama Image House | Gateway to East
Thuparama Image House
0.07 Km
Atadage | Gateway to East
Atadage
0.07 Km
Royal bath pond - Kumara Pokuna | Gateway to East
Royal bath pond - Kumara Pokuna
0.73 Km
Shiva Devalaya | Gateway to East
Shiva Devalaya
0.90 Km

instagram

    Subscribe
    to get notifications about our latest updates

    footerlogo

    Would you like to support us?
    Join us now!

    quick links
    • STAYS
    • ABOUT US
    • ATTRACTIONS
    • TRAVEL DIARIES
    • CONTACT
    resources
    • Terms of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • FAQ
    Copyright 2025 Gateway to East. All Rights Reserved.