Polonnaruwa Vatadage is an ancient Buddhist structure located in the city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is a circular relic house built during the Polonnaruwa period (11th-13th century) and is considered one of the most remarkable examples of ancient Sinhalese architecture.
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage was built to protect the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century BC. It is said that the structure was built by King Parakramabahu the Great, who ruled Sri Lanka from 1153-1186 AD.
The structure is made up of a circular terrace and a small stupa at the center. The terrace is surrounded by a stone fence, and four entranceways are placed in four cardinal directions. The entranceways are beautifully decorated with intricate carvings of various deities and mythical creatures.
The terrace also has four Buddha statues, each facing one of the entranceways. The statues are placed inside small shrines that are decorated with elaborate carvings and sculptures.
The stupa at the center of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage is believed to have housed the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The stupa is surrounded by a stone fence and is supported by four pillars with beautifully carved elephant heads at the top.
Today, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage is a popular tourist destination and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered a masterpiece of ancient Sri Lankan architecture and a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country.