The Vatadage consists of a central shrine and dagoba, which is now missing its wooden roof, enclosed by a brick wall. Four sets of steps lead to the terrace.
Two stone platforms are decorated with stone carvings. The lower one is accessed through a single entrance and the raised one is accessed through four doorways facing the four cardinal points. The platform houses the stupa, which is also surrounded by a brick wall.
The 5′ buddha statues (some more intact than others) are constructed around the wall facing the four cardinal points.
The steps are decorated with dwarfs, makaras, lions, guardstones and moonstones.
Remains of pillars are scattered about.
A second set of steps leads to the central shrine.
Each of the four steps are guarded by a Buddha.
There are numerous theories about the Vatadage’s construction, but everyone agrees that its purpose was to protect the small stupa that had an important relic enshrined.
The Vatadage was abandoned when South India invaded Polonnaruwa in the 13th century.
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