Photo: Chindemaya at English Wikipedia · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsMedirigiriya Vatadage
Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified
What is this site?
Pristine circular relic shrine crowning a low granite ridge, surrounded by three concentric rings of slender octagonal columns with carved capitals.
Why it matters
The most complete and architecturally intact circular colonnade preserved from pre-medieval Sri Lanka.
Description
Founded as Mandalagiri in early Anuradhapura times; transformed into a monumental by King Aggabodhi IV in the 7th century. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Kanittha Tissa, King Aggabodhi IV. Key features to look for: Three concentric circles of octagonal pillars with lion/dwarf capitals; Four seated granite Buddha images facing the cardinal points; Bedrock stairway with carved balustrades and guardstones; Paved stone ambulatory floor and drainage conduits.
Photos
Historical and scholarly sources
- Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Gazette No. 1505 (2007-07-06)
Visiting responsibly
Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.