Polonnaruwa Vatadage (The Stupa House)
This Stupa House in Polonnaruwa is believed to have been constructed before the reign of Nissanka Malla (1187-1196), but significant renovations were carried out by the king. Therefore, the present structure is likely his work. What sets this type of building apart is that the stupa is sheltered by a roof, resulting in a smaller stupa than usual. Another such structure can be found a few kilometres away in Madirigiriya.
At the center of the building stands a small stupa, surrounded by four exquisitely carved Buddha statues that differ from the norm. The statues do not feature the typical curly hair on the head, and the robe is flat, which is unusual. Two rows of stone pillars support the roof surrounding the stupa, although none of them are visible today. The pillars outside the walls, however, remain intact.
Four sets of elaborately carved stone stairs lead to the upper level from four directions. The eastern guard stone is regarded as the best in the Polonnaruwa era and is part...
At the center of the building stands a small stupa, surrounded by four exquisitely carved Buddha statues that differ from the norm. The statues do not feature the typical curly hair on the head, and the robe is flat, which is unusual. Two rows of stone pillars support the roof surrounding the stupa, although none of them are visible today. The pillars outside the walls, however, remain intact.
Four sets of elaborately carved stone stairs lead to the upper level from four directions. The eastern guard stone is regarded as the best in the Polonnaruwa era and is part...
