Atadage, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Atadage, Polonnaruwa (29 August, 2005)


The Atadage is the first tooth relic temple of Polonnaruwa. It was built by Vijayabahu in the 11th century. The name Atadage means "House of Eight Relics". What remains of Atadage today are 54 stone pillars which once supported a timber upper floor where the relic was kept.

Many of the pillars bear inscriptions. There were also inscriptions in Tamil, meant for the Tamil guardians who came from South India to protect the sacred relics - the Tamil guards act just like the Swiss guards who protect the Pope. A big Buddha image, almost 3 m high, stands near the end of the temple.

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