This is also referred to as ‘Thuapa Ghara’ and ‘Stupa Ghara’. It is a circular building erected to cover a Dagaba. According to ‘Galpotha’ (Book of Stone) inscription, this was constructed by
King Parakramabahu, the Great and was later renovated by King Nissanka Malla. Wata da ge means a circular house of Relics( Relics of the Buddha). ( Wata means circular; Da means Dhatu – relics of the Buddha and Ge means house. Hence Wat da ge meaning the circular house where relics are kept ). It is so c alled because there were relics( of the Buddha) in the Dagaba ( stupa) in the centre of the building.
There is a
Moon Stone (Sandakada Pahana ) at the foot of the flight of steps to this building . This
Moon Stone is considered to be the most beautiful
Moon stone out of all such
Moon Stones found in
Polonnaruwa ,. Similarly the
Guard Stone ( Mura gala) found to the west of this building is considered to be the most beautiful
guard stone amongst all the
guard stones found in
Polonnaruwa . The Dagaba (stupa) in the centre of the building is in a dilapidated condition.
Four images of the Buddha had been installed on the four sides of the Dagaba. These images appear to be quite different to the Buddha images found else where in Sri Lanka. These appear quite similar to the Buddha images found Manthuvar of Mathura in India. There is a small building adjoining the Watada ge. This is considered to be a building to house a Bodhisatva Image. This also would have been built during the reign of Vijayabahu I or the reign of
Parakramabahu the Great.
