Ancient Hospital Medirigiriya
The Medirigiriya Vatadage, an ancient monastery from the Polonnaruwa kingdom, boasts remarkable features including an advanced hospital that primarily catered to the healthcare needs of sick monks. The remains of this hospital, which is located about 50 meters north of the Madirigiri vatadage in Tamankaduwa in the Polonnaruwa district, showcase its historical significance.
Archaeological evidence suggests that this hospital was relatively smaller in size than the one found at Mihintale, another monastic hospital. The restored foundation indicates that it was a square building measuring 15.8m x 15.8m. A corridor encircles the central court of the building, and additional rooms for patients are situated beyond it. The outer square is supported by 33 stone pillars, while the inner square is held up by 20 pillars. There are indications that the rooms had doors, and there have been three entrances to the building. The hospital also features a well-preserved medicine boat made of hard roc...
Archaeological evidence suggests that this hospital was relatively smaller in size than the one found at Mihintale, another monastic hospital. The restored foundation indicates that it was a square building measuring 15.8m x 15.8m. A corridor encircles the central court of the building, and additional rooms for patients are situated beyond it. The outer square is supported by 33 stone pillars, while the inner square is held up by 20 pillars. There are indications that the rooms had doors, and there have been three entrances to the building. The hospital also features a well-preserved medicine boat made of hard roc...
