[2024 Polonnaruwa Attraction] Travel Guide for Hatadage (Updated Sep)

Hatadage

Hatadage is an ancient temple located in the Polonnaruwa region of the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, situated opposite the circular stupa Vatadage. The temple was built by King Nissanka Malla (AD 1187-1196), and an inscription on a nearby stone slab indicates that it was once used to house the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. The architectural dimensions of Hatadage are 120 feet in length and 60 feet in width, and its features suggest that it was originally a two-story building with stone stairs leading to the upper floor, and the ground floor was likely made of wood. Remains of three Buddha statues were discovered on the first floor. Moreover, Hatadage is located within the quadrangle of Polonnaruwa, right next to the Atadage on the east side. It is said that this shrine was built in 60 days, 'Hata' in Sinhala means 60, representing the duration of the construction period, and 'Dage' means 'relic temple'. There is also a huge stone book called Gal Pota beside the site, which is 9 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, 66 centimeters thick, and weighs 25 tons. This stone book is said to have been transported from Mihintale, a hundred kilometers away, and the Sinhala inscriptions on it narrate the exploits of King Nissanka Malla in resisting Indian invasions and his diplomatic relations with various countries. Therefore, a large number of tourists come here every year to visit and check in.