Thoobarama Vatadage Polonaruwa

Polannaruwa is the past Kingdom of the Island and presently, a declared world heritage site with many archaeological sources. A vatadage is built around a stupa which contains a sacred relic, for its protection. The Polannaruwa vatadage is situated in the famous citadel of Dalada Maluva which contains many sacred monuments.

There are 2 layer platforms available and the stupa is located on the middle of 2^nd platform. The 1^st platform can be reached by an entrance from North direction. The 2^nd platform can be reached by four entrances which represents the 4 main directions, North, West, East and South. Before the stupa, there are four seated Buddha statues which face the 4 doorways respectively. Also 3 sets of stone columns are available on the 2^nd platform as 16 columns near stupa, 20 on the next row and 32 on the final ring. According to main ancient chronicles and historians, the Vatadage of Polonnaruwa was built by King Parakramabahu I during 12^th century. At that time he used to enshrine the tooth relic of Buddha which considered as the main symbol of a Kingdom. Also the guard stones, moon stones and the seated Buddha statues of Polonnaruwa Vatadage differ from Anuradhapura era stones.

Those who interest in archaeology and mainly school students from local visit the site. As many monuments around the venue, the number of visitors are always high.