Hatadage — Attraction in North Central Province

The Polonnaruwa Atadage is a significant historical site located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important relics in Polonnaruwa and provides insights into the rich heritage of ancient Sri Lanka. Here are some key points about the Polonnaruwa Atadage:

Historical Significance: The Atadage was built during the reign of King Vijayabahu I (1055–1110 AD) and later renovated by King Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 AD). It served as a repository for the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, making it a highly revered site for Buddhists.

Architectural Design: The Atadage is a well-preserved structure with a raised stone platform. It is believed to have housed a wooden structure on top, where the sacred Tooth Relic was enshrined. The building had a mandapa (hall) with intricately carved stone pillars and walls adorned with sculptures and carvings.

Inscriptions: The Atadage is famous for its inscriptions, which provide historical details about the kings who ruled during that era. These inscriptions have been invaluable to historians studying the ancient history of Sri Lanka.

Guardstones and Moonstones: Similar to other ancient structures in Sri Lanka, the Atadage featured elaborately carved moonstones at its entrances. Guardstones, depicting protective figures, were also placed on either side of the entrances.

Relocation of the Tooth Relic: The Tooth Relic, originally housed in the Atadage, was later moved to other locations in Sri Lanka, including Kandy, where it is currently enshrined at the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa).

The Polonnaruwa Atadage stands as a testament to the architectural and religious achievements of ancient Sri Lanka. It is a site of historical and cultural significance, attracting tourists, archaeologists, and history enthusiasts from...

All visitors are informed to be mindful of the attire. It was a shame to see some foreign nationals in embarresment when the cultural police stopped them from entering without formal the dress code. There are two sides to this. One, that the site is considered holy grounds and thus require certain modesty. However on the other hand tourists are not well informed of local requirments and since they are on tour cannot expect them to carry around a separate set of dress. You will mostly find bikers on tour who will find a pair of shorts more convinent, with a skinny to go with our humid weather. This is a NO NO to the administrators. The Govt. should find a go between. Another sad situation is the cultural cops in charge cannot manage the language. On my visit to Tadage recently the cop blew a whistel on a touring family. He was exhausting his best English and sign language to explain his point, until both parties were heating up. Finally my wife intervened to translate. Outcome was, an elder boy in the group sacrificing his T-shirt to a lady (maybe his mom) The poor guy had to sit in the scorching sun bare body red in embarresment until the others made the tour without him.

I believe all hotels and restaurents should advise their guests on local requirments as a...

A Majestic Relic of Sri Lanka’s Glorious Past

Hatadageya is a stunning historical monument in Polonnaruwa, steeped in cultural and religious significance. Built by King Nissankamalla, this ancient shrine was designed to house the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most important structures of its time.

The intricate stone carvings, elegant design, and architectural brilliance reflect the skill and devotion of the craftsmen who built it. Despite its age and partial ruins, Hatadageya still exudes grandeur, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Sri Lanka's ancient kingdom.

Walking through the site, you can sense the sanctity and historical importance of the place. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with its architectural beauty, makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring Polonnaruwa.

Don’t forget to take a closer look at the intricate stone pillars and carvings, which tell stories of a bygone era. Highly recommend adding Hatadageya to your list when visiting this UNESCO World...