Hatadage

The Hatadage at Polonnaruwa is the oldest monument in the city's so-called Sacred Quadrangle, a dense agglomeration of architecture dating to the 11th and 12th centuries. Built by Vijayabahu I (ruled 1055–1110), it is the older of the two Tooth Relic shrines in the city, the other being the adjacent Hatadage. Its name, Atadage, is a portmanteau of Hata (eight) and dage (shrine), implying that it housed eight relics of the Buddha. Among these were the Buddha's Tooth and Bowl relics, both of which became virtual palladiums of the empire, synonymous with the divine right to kingship. Although the Tooth Relic remains a revered symbol of Sri Lankan Buddhism, safely ensconced in its purpose-built temple in Kandy, the bowl relic was last seen in the days of King Parakramabahu IV (r. 1302-32) of Haththigiri-pura (modern Kurunegala). After vanishing in the Mahavamsa chronicles, it has never been heard of again.

Hatadage is a historic shrine in Polonnaruwa built by King Nissanka Malla to house the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Made of stone and brick, the structure still features standing Buddha statues and impressive carvings. Though partially ruined, it offers a powerful glimpse into the religious devotion and craftsmanship of the Polonnaruwa period. The site has a calm, spiritual feel and is located near the Vatadage, making it easy to visit both together. A must-see for those exploring Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage.

Grade and wonderful creation in Polonnaruwa era. Atadage Dalada Maligaya is the house of the tooth relic of Buddha built by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This building is built on 54 stone pillars.Originally this was a two-storied building and there was a stairs to climb to the top.

This ancient and historic structure had been built by the king Nissanka Malla (1187-1196 A.D.). It is said that this has been used to place the Sacred tooth relic during his time. The name implies that this has been built by in 60 days or some say 60 hours. According to the remaining parts, it is said that this had been a two-storied building.

This identified as the temple of tooth built by king Vijayabahu . This Was a two storied building and in the upper floor were deposited the sacred tooth relic and the bowl relic the upper floor probably made by timber the roof had wooden beams and covered with tiles.

This place is considered as the place where the tooth of relics was being kept during the ancient times. you can see that the windows are also made of rock in this place. It is said that this place was built in sixty days and that is the reason for tha name HETADAGE which means building in sixty days.

Hetadage is an ancient shrine situated in Polonnaruwa. It was built by King Nissanka Malla during the Polonnaruwa era in order to keep the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is believed to have been a two-storey structure of which the upper storey has been destroyed and only parts of the brick and stone walls still remain. Hetadage is close to the northern side of the Dalada Maluva and its entrance, which is towards the south, directly faces the entrance of the Polonnaruwa Vatadage. The Gal Potha and Atadage lies to the eastern and western sides of the Hetadage, respectively. The word “Heta” means sixty and the Hetadage is believed to have been made in sixty hours which gave it this name.

Atadage Dalada Maligaya is the house of the tooth relic of Buddha built by King Vijayabahu I (1070-1110). This building is built on 54 stone pillars. The tooth relic has been kept on the second floor probably made out of wood. The access to the second floor is through a staircase.