Vatadage

Vatadages may have also had a wooden roof, supported by a number of stone columns arranged in several concentric rows.

The 12th and 13th century chronicles Pujavaliya and Dalada Siritha use these names when mentioning the Thuparamaya and Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

The steps that lead to the raised platform were adorned with carvings, as were the korawakgalas (stone balustrades).

A sandakada pahana (moonstone) was placed at the foot of the steps, flanked by two muragalas (guard stones).

Although this type of structure may have influenced the more elaborate vatadage, it is more or less unique to ancient Sri Lankan architecture.

These are located at Thuparama, Lankarama, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya, Attanagalla, Rajangana, Menikdena, Devundara, and Tiriyaya.

[9] Of these, the vatadages at Polonnaruwa, Medirigiriya, and Tiriyaya are relatively well preserved, and provide a good indication as to the original appearance of this type of constructions.

[12][13] Vatadages were usually constructed around stupas which were either built on hallowed ground or contained a relic of the Buddha or an object used by him.

[14] Similarly, it is believed that a hair relic of the Buddha is enshrined at Tiriyaya, and his collarbone at Thuparama.

[9] The Zamani Project, document cultural heritage sites in 3D to create a record for future generations.

[21] The following structures in Polunnaruwa where also documented in 3D: Gal Vihara; Kiri Vihera; Lankatilaka Vihara and the Quadrangle (Hatadage; Atadage; Recumbent-house; Chapter House; Gal Pota; Satmahal Prasada; Bodhisattva Shrine; Latha Mandapaya; Bodhi Tree Shrine and Thuparama Gedige).