Atadage

The adage is a very old and special temple located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It was built by King Vijaya bahu I during the 11th century. This historic building was the very first place in Polonnaruwa to protect and hold the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Today, you can see beautiful stone pillars, a grand stone doorway, and the remains of ancient Buddha statues at the site. The name "At adage" simply means the "House of Eight Relics," showing how important it was to the people of the past.

📌  Why Should You Visit?

📜 First of Its Kind: It is the oldest temple built for the Tooth Relic in the entire Polonnaruwa kingdom.

📜 Stunning Stone Art: You can see how ancient builders carved beautiful designs into hard stone without any modern machines.

📜 Great Location: It sits right inside the famous Dalada Maluva (the Quadrangle), which means you can see many other famous ruins just a few steps away.

 📌  Other Important Details

⭐ Two Floors: Long ago, this building had a second floor made of wood. The sacred Tooth Relic was kept safely on the top floor, while the ground floor was used for statues and prayers.

⭐ Guarded by Soldiers: Ancient inscriptions (Velaikkara slab inscription) found nearby show that special foreign soldiers were hired just to guard this temple and keep the relic safe.

 📌 Things to Do There

↔️  Take Photos: Capture the beautiful stone pillars and the ancient standing Buddha statue that still looks out from the ruins.

↔️  Walk Around: Take a slow walk around the stone foundation to see the detailed carvings near the entrance stairs.

↔️  Explore the Quadrangle: Since Atadage is in the main religious group of ruins, you can easily walk over to see the Hatadage and the round Vatadage temple right next to it.

 📌  How to Get There

🚌  By Bus or Train: First, you can take a bus or train from Colombo or Kandy to the town of Polonnaruwa.

🛺  Local Transport: Once you arrive in Polonnaruwa, you can easily hire a three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) or rent a bicycle to ride into the ancient sacred grounds.

Inside the Park: Look for the "Sacred Quadrangle" or "Dalada Maluva" on your map. The Atadage sits right inside this area.

 📌 What Experience Can Visitors Get?

🌿 Peace and Quiet: The area is surrounded by green trees and open skies, making it a very calm place to think and relax.

🌿 A Sense of Wonder: You will find yourself wondering how people built such strong and beautiful structures hundreds of years ago.

🌿 Cultural Connection: You get to feel the deep spiritual respect that Sri Lankans have held for this sacred ground for generations.

 📌  Important Tips and Guides

✅ Remove Shoes and Hats: This is a sacred religious site. You must take off your shoes and hats before stepping onto the temple platforms.

✅ Dress Appropriately: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. White or light-colored clothing is highly recommended.

✅ Watch the Heat: The stone floors can get very hot under the midday sun. It is best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

✅ Respect the Statues: Never pose for a photo with your back turned directly towards a Buddha statue. Always face the statue or take photos from the side.

 The Atadage is a true historical treasure in Polonnaruwa. It tells a wonderful story of kings, ancient faith, and incredible stone artwork. If you are traveling through Sri Lanka, spending an hour wandering through these peaceful ruins is an experience you will remember for a very long time.