The name Atadage means "House of Eight Relics". The Atadage was the first Tooth Relic Temple of Polonnaruwa. The remains of the Atadage are 54 stone pillars which once supported a timber upper floor where the relic was kept.

Many of the pillars bear inscriptions. Some of these inscriptions are in Tamil being meant for the Tamil guardians who came from South India to protect the sacred relics. The role of the Tamil guards was in some respects similar to the Swiss guards who protect the Pope.