DALADA MALUVA (SACRED QUADRILATERAL)

This quatrilateral (quadrangle

in English) is the ancient heart of the fallen capital. It is located to the left of the main entrance to the site, within the fortress enclosure, past Shiva Devalaya 1. This terrace is home to one of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites.

Vatadage (Stupa-house).

This magnificent circular pavilion is located to the left of the entrance to the quadrangle. These four entrances lead to four finely carved Buddha statues facing the four cardinal points. At the northern entrance, you can admire the most beautiful moonstone on the site, representing the signs of the Sinhalese zodiac.

Hatadage or Temple of the Tooth.

Located on the right as you enter. It was built during the reign of Nissanka Malla in the 12th century and is said to have housed the tooth of Buddha. In the entrance are represented musicians and dancers. The murals depict the exploits of the king.

Chapter Hall.

It occupies a small area adjacent to the Hatadage. Only the base of the building and some pillars remain.

Gal Potha (Stone Book). This stone book is a piece of rock 9 m long, 1.50 m wide and 60 cm thick. Its weight is estimated at 25 tons. The text is engraved in three columns and contains more than 4,300 characters.

It chronicles the exploits of King Nissanka Malla in the face of Indian invasions, as well as his pioneering concerns about the coexistence of human and animal life.

Sat Mahal Prasada is a pyramidal building of seven levels (sat

means 'seven'). Archaeologists have yet to define its purpose.

Atadage Dalada Maligaya. Going around the Hatadage, you will come across the Atadage (ata

means 8), which dates back to the reign of Vijayabahu I. Like its illustrious neighbour, it contained a wooden roof designed to protect the tooth of Buddha. Continuing to the western corner of the quadrangle, you can see what remains of a platform for a reclining Buddha.

Latha Mandapaya

dates from the 12th century. It is a superb pavilion, whose pillars represent lotus stems. The king often came there to listen to Buddhist chants. You will then pass by a statue of Bodhisattva and the remains of a temple dedicated to the Bo tree.

Thuparama. This is the best preserved building in Polonnaruwa. It is famous for its vaulted brick walls. It is the only monument on the site that still has its roof. The shrine used to house a large statue of a seated Buddha in a meditative position