Somawathiya Chaitya is a Buddhist Stupa situated approximately 45 minutes away from the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Chaitya premises is called the Somawathiya Rajamaha Viharaya. Surrounded by Somawathiya forest reserve, the stupa is located on the left bank of the Mahaweli River. This wonderful stupa is believed to have been built in the reign of King Kavantissa - Dutugemunu’s father - who ruled Magama. It’s said to enshrine the right canine tooth relic of the Buddha, one of the four tooth relics - which are considered the most sacred relics by Buddhists. Somawathiya is therefore much older than Ruwanveli seya, Mirisaveti Vihara or Jetawanaramaya.