The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is Sri Lanka's finest surviving circular relic shrine, its concentric stone terraces, guardian nagas, and four Buddha statues built to honor either the sacred Tooth Relic or the Buddha's own alms bowl.

Why visit Vatadage

• Best Preserved Vatadage: The Polonnaruwa Vatadage is considered the best-preserved example of this unique structure in all of Sri Lanka. A vatadage is a circular relic house. It was built to protect a small stupa and provide shelter for devotees.
• Masterful Stone Carvings: The structure is adorned with intricate stone carvings. You'll find a beautifully carved moonstone at its entrance. There are also two sculpted guard stones featuring mythical creatures.
• Houses Buddha Statues: At the center of the Vatadage is a small stupa. Four beautifully carved Buddha statues face each of the four entrances. These statues represent enlightenment spreading in all directions.
• Relic of the Tooth: According to some legends, the Vatadage was built to house the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. This makes it an incredibly important pilgrimage site. The Culavamsa chronicle supports this belief.
• Architectural Ingenuity: The circular, concentric design of the Vatadage is a remarkable achievement. It showcases the architectural brilliance of the Polonnaruwa period. The structure was supported by multiple rows of stone columns.