Vatadage

"Must Visit The Vatadage in Polonnaruwa is like a snapshot of ancient Sri Lankan architecture at its finest. This circular relic house, believed to have been built during the reign of King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved structures in the ancient city. As you walk up the intricately carved steps, you’ll notice the guard stones and moonstones—each one telling its own story. Inside, the Vatadage originally housed a sacred relic, most likely a tooth relic of the Buddha, which explains the level of craftsmanship dedicated to this place. The inner sanctum, with its four seated Buddha statues facing the cardinal directions, creates a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. It’s easy to imagine monks and devotees from centuries ago circling the Vatadage in prayer. The circular design, with the stupa in the center, is symbolic of the universe, and standing there, you can almost feel the connection to something much larger. Despite being weathered by time, the Vatadage still holds onto its grandeur, making it one of those spots in Polonnaruwa where you really feel the presence of history."