Dalada Maluwa - The Sacred Quadrangle
This is an elevated area in the Polonnaruwa Sacred City that houses several important Buddhist buildings. These include the Hetadage of Nissanga Malla (1187-1196), the Atadage of King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110), the Vatadage (Stupa-house), the Image of Boddhisathwa, the Thuparama, the Oth-pilimaya, the Galpotha (Stone book), the Sathmahal Pasada (Seven storied building), and the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya.
To enter the Dalada Maluwa, visitors must climb stone steps. On the left side of the steps is a stone slab with three carved figures, representing a man pointing towards the Dalada Maluwa, a crow, and a dog. According to legend, this serves as a warning to those who come to worship the tooth relic, informing them that any disrespectful behaviour in the sacred area will result in rebirth as crows and dogs.
To enter the Dalada Maluwa, visitors must climb stone steps. On the left side of the steps is a stone slab with three carved figures, representing a man pointing towards the Dalada Maluwa, a crow, and a dog. According to legend, this serves as a warning to those who come to worship the tooth relic, informing them that any disrespectful behaviour in the sacred area will result in rebirth as crows and dogs.
Other places in Polonnaruwa
- Parakrama Samudraya
- Parakramabahu Statue
- Pothgul Vehera
- Palace of King Nissanka Malla
- Palace of King Parakramabahu the Great
- Royal Court of king Parakramabahu
- Kumara Pokuna
- Shiva Kovil #1
- Pabalu Vehera
