The Ancient Cities - Sri Lanka - page 476

Malla publication. Much of it extols his virtues as a king, but it also includes the footnote
that the slab, weighing 25 tonnes, was dragged from Mihintale, a mere 100km away.
Satmahal Prasada MONUMENT
In the northeast corner stands the unusual ziggurat-style Satmahal Prasada, which consists
of six diminishing storeys (there used to be seven), shaped like a stepped pyramid. Check
out the figurines set in niches within its crumbling walls.
Atadage MONUMENT
A shrine for the tooth relic, the Atadage is the only surviving structure in Polonnaruwa
dating from the reign of Vijayabahu I.
Velaikkara Slab Inscription MONUMENT
Just in case you thought that bureaucrats have evolved through the years, check out this
12th-century memorial slab with an equally lifeless slab of text tossing off credits in all
directions.
Around the Quadrangle
Dotted around the fringes of the Quadrangle there's a number of structures, including
Shiva Devales (Hindu temples), relics from the South Indian invasion of the 10th century.
Shiva Devale No 1 HINDU TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )
Just south of the Quadrangle, the 13th-century Hindu temple Shiva Devale No 1 displays
the Indian influence that returned after Polonnaruwa's Sinhalese florescence. It is notable
for the superb quality of its stonework, which fits together with unusual precision. The
domed brick roof has collapsed, but when this building was being excavated a number of
excellent bronzes, now in the Archaeological Museum, were found.
Shiva Devale No 2 HINDU TEMPLE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP )