Located within the UNESCO World Heritage ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Velaikkara Slab Inscription is a historic 12th-century stone monument containing a written oath made by a powerful army of royal guards to protect the sacred Tooth Relic temple.

Why visit Velaikkara Slab Inscription

• Historical Significance: The Velikkara Inscription marks the Velaikkaras' pledge to protect the Tooth Relic and the surrounding shrines, highlighting their important role in safeguarding Buddhist relics during the reign of King Vijayabahu.
• Location of the Inscription: The inscription is located near the Atadage in Polonnaruwa, a key archaeological site where significant relics, including the Tooth Relic, were kept during ancient Sri Lankan times.
• Protection of Sacred Relics: The Velaikkaras were entrusted with the protection of the Tooth Relic and other sacred Buddhist relics, symbolizing their responsibility to preserve Sri Lanka's religious heritage.
• Cultural Legacy: The inscription emphasizes the Velaikkaras’ enduring commitment to the shrine, ensuring its maintenance and protection through the allocation of land and servitors, reinforcing the cultural devotion to the sacred temple.
• Inscribed on Stone: The inscription is recorded on a large granite stone slab