MEDIRIGIRIYA

The Mandalagiri Vihara a vatadage atop a low rocky point built in the 8^th century is north of Polonnaruwa and virtually identical in design and measurement to that at Polonnaruwa. A granite flight of steps leads up the hill to the vatadage, which has concentric circles of 16, 20 and 32 pillars around the central dagoba. Four large seated Buddhas face the four cardinal directions. The vatadage is noted for its ornamental stone screens.