Vata-Da-Ge

This circular relic house is one of the most beautiful buildings in Polonanaruwa city and is an excellent example of buildings of its kind. It was built at an earlier date but repaired by King Nissankamalla. There is a small dagaba in the center with a stupa and statues of the Buddha at the four cardinal points. Today the inner circles of pillars supporting the roof are no longer standing. However, a flower decorated screen wall remains, together with the ornamented steps to the shrine room. The moonstone below the steps is quite unique in that it lacks the figure of the bull. An indication that the Hindu influence was strong when the Vatadage was built. Since the bull is the auspicious vehicle of the God Siva, it was obviously considered unsuitable to be stepped on. The statues of the Buddha, too, are unusual for our country. The hair of the figures and the treatment of the robes, are in fact similar to those of the statues in Mankuvar in India.

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