Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the southeast of the Quadrangle, the
vatadage
(circular relic house) is typical of its kind.
Its outermost terrace is 18m in diameter, and the second terrace has four entrances flanked
by particularly fine guardstones. The moonstone at the northern entrance is reckoned to be
the finest in Polonnaruwa. Four separate entrances lead to the central dagoba with its four
Buddhas. The stone screen is thought to be a later addition, probably added by Nissanka
Malla.
Thuparama Gedige
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
At the southern end of the Quadrangle, the Thuparama Gedige is the smallest
gedige
(hol-
low Buddhist temple with thick walls) in Polonnaruwa, but is also one of the best: it's the
only one with its roof intact, supported by corbel arch-style supports. The inner chamber is
delightfully cool and contains eight beautifully executed Buddha statues.
The building shows a strong Hindu influence and is thought to date from the reign of
Parakramabahu I.
Hatadage
MONUMENT
Erected by Nissanka Malla, the Hatadage monument is said to have been built in 60 hours.
It's in poor condition today but was originally a two-storey building (and may have once
housed the Buddha Tooth Relic). Stand at the entrance and admire the symmetry of the pil-
lars receding into the distance.
Latha-Mandapaya
RUIN
The busy Nissanka Malla was responsible for the Latha-Mandapaya. This unique structure
consists of a latticed stone fence - a curious imitation of a wooden fence with posts and
railings - surrounding a very small dagoba. The dagoba is encircled by stone pillars
shaped like lotus stalks, topped by unopened buds. It is said that Nissanka Malla sat within
this enclosure to listen to chanted Buddhist texts.
Gal Pota
MONUMENT
The Gal Pota (Stone Book) is a colossal stone representation of an
ola
book. It is nearly
9m long by 1.5m wide, and 40cm to 66cm thick. The inscription on it - the longest such
stone inscription in Sri Lanka (and there are many!) - indicates that it was a Nissanka
