MANDALAGIRI VIHARA (MEDIRIGIRIYA VATADAGEYA)

This superb vatadage (circular shrine) is located in the centre of a sacred site. Built in the 7th century, it is a covered structure, which completely sheltered a small stupa to protect it from the elements. It consists of sixty-eight pillars arranged in three concentric circles that surround four Buddhas, which face the four cardinal points, as in the vatadage of Polonnaruwa. The place is very frequented on the days of Poya (full moon).