Hetadage

The Hetadage is another highly important and historic shrine located inside the Dalada Maluva (The Quadrangle) in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Built by King Nissanka Malla, this was originally a two story Tooth Relic house designed to safely store and protect the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.

There are two popular folk stories behind the name "Hetadage." The first is that the shrine was completely built in just sixty (Heta) days. The second story suggests it was named after the sixty thousand (60,000) sacred relics and offerings kept inside the temple. Today, only the ground floor stone walls, brickwork, and a few Buddha statues remain for visitors to see.

📌Why Should You Visit

Located directly across from the famous Vatadage, this ancient ruin is well worth a visit for several great reasons.

🌟 Royal History: It is one of the best places to understand the reign of King Nissanka Malla and his deep devotion to the sacred Tooth Relic.

🌟 Unique Wall Carvings: The stone walls feature beautiful carvings depicting the king's achievements as well as traditional dance positions.

🌟 A Glimpse into the Past: It offers a rare chance to see the actual layout of an ancient royal complex that once housed Sri Lanka's most sacred prize.

📌Other Important Details

The Hetadage was constructed using a mix of granite, bricks, and wood. Because the upper floor was made entirely of wood, it sadly decayed and disappeared over the centuries.

↔️ Stone Inscriptions: Look closely at the outer walls to see long stone inscriptions engraved by King Nissanka Malla. These writings describe his work, laws, and services to the country.

↔️ Standing Buddha Statues: Inside the main inner chamber, the remains of three standing Buddha statues carved out of granite can still be seen today.

📌Things to Do There

When exploring the Hetadage, make sure to try these activities.

✅ Examine the Inscriptions: Get a close up look at the ancient Sinhalese letters carved neatly into the stone walls.

✅ Take Photos: Use the grand stone doorway and the inner standing Buddhas as a historic backdrop for your travel photos.

✅ Explore the Quadrangle: Since it sits in the Dalada Maluva, you can easily walk over to the nearby Atadage (built by King Vijayabahu I) and the beautiful Nissanka Latha Mandapaya at the same time.

📌How to Get There

The Hetadage is located right in the heart of the Polonnaruwa Sacred City.

🚲 From the Entrance: The Dalada Maluva is just a short distance from the main ticketing office. You can easily get here by renting a bicycle or taking a quick stroll.

🚗 By Vehicle: There are designated parking spots inside the sacred ruins area, making it very accessible and easy to walk to, even for older travelers.

📌What Experience Can Visitors Get

Stepping inside the Hetadage feels like walking into an old royal fortress. It is fascinating to see how the ancient builders stacked massive blocks of granite so perfectly to create strong, lasting walls. The quiet and breezy atmosphere gives you the perfect space to look around and imagine the grand processions and royal kings who came here to worship centuries ago.

📌Important Tips and Guides

Since this is located on sacred temple grounds, please keep these respectful tips in mind.

⚠️ Show Respect: Never turn your back directly to the Buddha statues inside when taking photos.

⚠️ Beat the Heat: You must remove your shoes before entering the stone platforms. Because the dark stone floors can get scorching hot under the midday sun, it is highly recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the evening.

⚠️ Protect the Ruins: Please do not sit on, lean against, or touch the delicate ancient walls and stone inscriptions to help preserve them for the future.

The Polonnaruwa Hetadage is a remarkable monument that tells a story of faith, royalty, and ancient engineering. When you visit the Quadrangle to see the Vatadage, taking a few steps across the grass to explore this incredible relic house will give you a much deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka's rich history.