ancient structure dating believed built reign hold tooth reign hold bowl relics given structure great significance importance time located ancient city best preserved example country described ultimate development type architecture abandoned centuries excavation work began built protection small structure stone platforms decorated elaborate stone carvings lower platform entered single entrance facing north second platform accessed facing cardinal points upper platform surrounded brick wall contains statues seated facing entrances concentric rows stone columns positioned presumably support wooden roof entire structure decorated stone carvings carvings considered best examples architectural features archaeologists suggested wooden roof theory disputed history theories vary archaeologists historians built theory suggests built reign 12th century ancient chronicle mentions built circular stone shrine hold tooth archaeologist believed shrine contradicted ancient sources island including mention built according studies arthur renovated existing building additions entrance outer porch translated ancient historian agree theory nearby stone inscription set lists constructions claims built generals direction unique feature architecture ancient sri_lanka built protection small important built ground shrine built tooth possibility bowl relics important objects ancient culture significant buildings country ended invasion appears abandoned fall kingdom mention chronicles later periods began excavation work site bell noted mound earth time location appearance located area known ancient city contains oldest sacred monuments city occupies south western area prominent structure best preserved example country somewhat similar design belonging period especially building built small base diameter feet inches levels lower platform raised upper platform contains upper platform feet diameter lower feet lower platform feet inches ground level upper platform feet inches lower circular lower platform entered single entrance northern constructed lead upper platform surrounded brick wall edge entrances oriented cardinal directions center platform occupied statues seated facing entrances statues feet high seated stone seats height feet inches concentric rows stone columns existed upper platform rows remain brick wall row outside inner row consisted columns middle row outer row existing stone columns outer ring feet height architecture employing citizens construction repairing works ancient sri_lanka form tax payment labour construction quality works indicate task carried skilled architecture type structures peak period considered ultimate development striking features structure elaborate stone carvings northern entrance guard stone eastern entrance considered best examples architectural features belonging period elements commonly placed entrances monastic buildings ancient sri_lanka historians believe depict cycle buddhism according bell carvings sides upper platform probably buddhist shrine ceylon straight symmetrical stone columns found similar seen buildings period foot column carved shape lotus flower suggested stone columns supported wooden roof widely accepted nails roof tiles found excavations support theory roof stone columns hang lamps buddhist symbols brick wall platform considerably preserved state parts broken thick feet inches presumably constructed protect sides evidence inner surface wall adorned paintings lower portion covered stone panels carvings flower design wall upper platform decorated carvings lower platform statues depict carved solid rock intact today parts remain middle appears bubble shaped design commonly seen sri_lanka upper destroyed dome shaped lower remains rings found base traditional
Polonnaruwa Vatadage