TERRACE OF THE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH

This quaereral is the old heart of the fallen capital. It is one of Sri Lanka's top archeological sites. The Vatadage, i. e. the circular pavilion on the left by entering, is magnificent: the four entries lead to the four Buddhas facing the four cardinal points. The circular interior, constituted by these statues, is all that remains of the dagoba of the time. At the northern entrance you can admire the beautiful moonstone of the site, representing the signs of the Singhalese zodiac. In front, you will discover the Hatadage, or the Temple of the Dent. It was built under Nissanka Malla in the twelfth century. The wall frescoes evoke the king's exploits. In the entrance are represented musicians and dancers. As his name indicates, the temple would have sheltered the Buddha's tooth. Reading fans will find out next to the Gal Pota, or "Stone Book". This piece of rock, which weighs 25 tons, measures 9 m in height, 4.50 m wide and 60 cm thick, chronicles the chronicles of King Nissanka Malla's exploits in the face of Indian invasions, as well as his avant-garde concerns about the coexistence between men and animal life. Then you will enter the chapter of the Chapter. It is adjacent to the Sat Mahal Prasada which, as the name indicates (sat means "seven"), is a seven story building.

Bypassing the Hatadage, you will arrive in front of the little Atadage, which dates from the reign of Vijaya Bahu I. Like his illustrious neighbor, he contained a wooden roof designed to protect the Buddha tooth.

On the west side of the quadrilateral, you can see what remains of a platform to host a sleeping Buddha. The nearby Lata Mandapa dates from the twelfth century. It is a beautiful pavilion whose pillars represent lotus stems. The king often came to listen to Buddhist songs. Next to a statue of Bodhisattva and next to the remains of a temple dedicated to the Bo tree. You will end your visit to the Quadparama quadrilateral. It is famous for its arched walls. Inside the sanctuary, a decrepited statue of Buddha awaits you. When leaving the quadrilateral, stop in front of Shiva Devale Temple, a Hindu sanctuary dating from the thirteenth century.