Nature's tranquillity
Medirigiya Vatadageya is located in a magnificent surrounding in the
Polonnaruwa district amidst the tranquillity of nature. It is located 42
km away from Polonnaruwa town.
According to the chronicles this place was first referred to during
King Kanittha Tissa of the Anuradhapura era. Later many kings
contributed towards the construction work of this place.
It is believed that the present Vatadageya was constructed during the
rule of King Agrabodhi IV. After the invasion of Maga, the Sinhalese
fled to the southern part of the country. As a result, the place became
a thick jungle. This site was later discovered by H.C.P. Bell in 1897,
who recognised the importance of this place calling it an architectural
jewel.
Vatadageya is a unique architectural building which housed the Stupa.
Apart from the Vatadageya at Medirigiriya there are several such
Vatadageya in Sri Lanka.
They are Thuparamaya, Lankaramaya, Mihintale in Anuradhapura,
Haththikuchchi Vihara in Rajanganaya, Thiriyaya in Trincomalee,
Vatadageya in the Dalada Lauwa in Polonnaruwa and Aththanagalla in
Gampaha. Of these Vatadageyas, the Medirigiriya Vatadageya is the most
wonderful creation.
As there is a large number of ruins in this area, earlier 600 acres
were reserved for this archaeological site but today only 250 acres
remain. The Medirigiriya Vatadageya is built on a small rock and there
is a massive stone frame in front of the staircase which shows the local
craftsmanship of ancient Sri Lanka.
Climbing several stone steps we can reach the Stupa House and see
only the ruins of that main stupa. There are four magnificently carved
Buddha statues on the four sides of the main stupa.
The stupa house had a roof too. But today only the ruins of the roof
remain.
In addition to the main stupa house we could see the ruins of three
stupa houses and many ruins scattered all over the place. Pichcha Mal
Vihara, ponds, toilets and a hospital are among them. The well preserved
medicinal boat is an attractive ruin.
The medicinal boat are carved in the shape of the human body. It was
made out of a hard rock and this prevents the absorption of medicine on
to the rock.
The ponds have been built to supply water to Bhikkhus living in the
temple.
There are many stone inscriptions but most of them were destroyed due
to various reasons.On the opposite side of the Vatadageya is a small
stupa built on a rock.
By climbing the rock anybody can get a good view of the Medirigiriya
Vatadageya. The Medirigiriya Vatadageya is a magnet to those who love
historical architecture.
If you visit it once, you will definitely visit it again. We are
considered a great nation today because of our proud heritage. It is our
duty to protect them for posterity. Please ensure not to cause any
damage and leave only the footprints when you visit these places.
Nithuli Subasinghe,
Grade 9E,
Vidura College,
Colombo. |
