The central edifice in the quadrangle you see here is one of the most exquisite examples of Buddist architecture. The circular relic house surrounds a stupa in which relics were enshrined.Five concentric rows of columns,tow exterior rows on the lower platformof timber,once supported heavy wooden roof now no moor.Four seated buddha statues face outwards with their back no the stupa facilitating the devotees to worship.The moonstones,balustrades flanking the entrances and the parapet roundthe inner sanctum with finely executed floral designs are magnificent examples of ornamental art of the early medieval times.
This work is considered as the highest perfection of this kind of religious architecture. Edifices of this type are seen at Anuradhapura, Tiriyaya and Medirigiriya.
The Guardstones at the eastern flight of steps to the upper terrace are the best examples from Polonnaruva,And you see the best moonstonein polonnaruva at the base of the main entrance to this edifice.The polonnaruva moonstones show the first evolution from the Anuradhapura period specimens.