Hatadage is an ancient relic shrine in the city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Nissanka Malla and had been used to keep the Relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The Hatadage had been built using stone, brick, and wood, although only parts of the brick and stone walls now remain. It appears to have been a two-story structure, but the upper story has now been destroyed. Three Buddha statues carved out of granite rock are located within a chamber of the shrine.
The shrine is surrounded by a stone wall, 120 feet (37 m) long and 90 feet (27 m) wide. On its southern side is a doorway decorated with stone carvings, leading to a stone-paved terrace. The main entrance to the shrine, which is also decorated with stone carvings and a sandakadapahana. Another smaller doorway is placed on the eastern side of the shrine.
The shrine has had a wooden superstructure with a tiled roof. However, only the walls now remain. The walls of the shrine are made of brick, and the outer walls are covered with stone plates. The main entrance leads to a small chamber, 27 feet (8.2 m) in length and 21 feet (6.4 m) in width. The base of its walls is decorated with designs of lotus flowers and lions. This chamber contains six stone columns and a staircase that had led to the upper floor. The square-shaped main chamber is located to the rear of this outer chamber. Each of its sides is 35 feet (11 m) in length and contains four windows. The chamber had contained sixteen stone columns, only three now remain. At the center of this chamber are three standing Buddha statues carved from granite. These are also partially destroyed. The statue in the middle is 9 feet (2.7 m) in height, while the other two are 7.5 feet (2.3 m) each.
Jayanthipura, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Monday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday
7:00 am - 8:00 pm
March 28, 2024 4:39 pm local time
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