Gadaladeniya Temple

Gadaladeniya Temple

Gadaladeniya Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka. Built in 1344 CE by King Buwanekabahu IV, the temple is considered to be an important historical and cultural site in Sri Lanka.

The temple is located on a hill called Gadaladeniya, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The architecture of the temple is a mixture of Sinhalese and South Indian styles, with a towering stone stupa and a mandapa (pillared hall) at the entrance. The main shrine room houses a statue of the Buddha, while the walls are adorned with colorful frescoes depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.

One of the most unique features of the temple is its inscriptions, which are carved in the Tamil language. This is believed to be an indication of the close cultural and religious ties between Sri Lanka and South India during the medieval period.

Gadaladeniya Temple has undergone several renovations over the centuries, but it still retains its original charm and grandeur. The temple is also famous for its annual Perahera, a colorful procession of dancers, drummers, and elephants, which takes place during the Esala Full Moon Poya Day (July/August).

Apart from its religious and cultural significance, Gadaladeniya Temple also holds an important place in the history of Sri Lanka. It is believed that King Buwanekabahu IV built the temple as a gesture of gratitude to his South Indian allies, who helped him reclaim the throne after being exiled by his own brother.

Today, Gadaladeniya Temple continues to attract visitors from all over the world, who come to marvel at its architectural beauty, learn about its rich history, and experience the peaceful atmosphere that pervades the temple grounds. Whether you’re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful architecture, Gadaladeniya Temple is definitely worth a visit.

 

( Gadaladeniya Temple Image Credit: Ravindra Wijesiri )

Lankathilaka Vihara

Lankathilaka Vihara in Kandy

Lankathilaka Vihara, located in Hiyarapitiya, Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a historical temple that attracts tourists from all around the world. The temple was built during the Gampola period, which lasted from 1341 to 1408, and it stands as a testimony to the architectural ingenuity of the ancient Sri Lankan craftsmen.

The temple was constructed by King Buwanekabahu IV and is renowned for its unique architectural style, which blends the South Indian Dravidian style and the Sinhalese architectural style. The temple is believed to have been built on a giant rock, which was said to have been the foundation of the entire temple.

The main shrine of Lankathilaka Vihara is believed to have housed a statue of Buddha, but it has been destroyed over time. Nevertheless, the temple still houses many other Buddha statues, which are of great religious significance to the local people. In addition, the temple also has several stone inscriptions that provide valuable insights into the history of Sri Lanka.

One of the most notable features of the temple is its massive size, with the temple’s central tower standing at a towering height of 80 feet. The tower is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various aspects of the Buddhist religion. The temple’s walls are also adorned with beautiful paintings, which are believed to date back to the Kandyan period.

The Lankathilaka Vihara is a testament to the ancient Sri Lankan civilization’s remarkable architectural and artistic achievements. The temple’s unique style and grandeur make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lankan culture and history. Visitors to the temple can experience the spiritual essence of the Buddhist religion, and the temple’s serene atmosphere provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In conclusion, Lankathilaka Vihara is a stunning temple that is sure to captivate anyone who visits it. Its unique architectural style, intricate carvings, and beautiful paintings provide valuable insights into the ancient Sri Lankan civilization’s artistic and cultural achievements. For anyone interested in history, art, and religion, a visit to Lankathilaka Vihara is an experience not to be missed.

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(Cover Image Credit: Nayana De Silva)

Avukana Buddha Statue

Avukana Buddha Statue

The Avukana Buddha Statue is one of the most magnificent examples of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. Carved out of a single granite rock face, this 13-meter-tall statue of the Buddha stands tall in the middle of a peaceful, serene forest in the north-central region of Sri Lanka.

The Avukana Buddha Statue is considered a masterpiece of Sinhalese art and is believed to have been carved during the reign of King Dhatusena (455-473 AD), one of the most prominent kings in Sri Lankan history. The statue is located in the Avukana village, close to the historic city of Anuradhapura, which was once the political and religious capital of the country.

The Avukana Buddha Statue is known for its unique features that distinguish it from other Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. It is said that the sculptor who created the statue was a master craftsman who had a deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy and iconography. The statue is characterized by its well-defined, symmetrical features, such as the perfectly shaped nose, the gentle smile, and the elongated earlobes, which symbolize wisdom.

The Avukana Buddha Statue is also notable for its posture. Unlike other Buddha statues in Sri Lanka, the Avukana Buddha Statue is depicted as standing upright, with both arms resting at the sides of the body. This posture is known as the Samadhi Buddha, and it represents the Buddha in a state of deep meditation.

The Avukana Buddha Statue has survived for over a thousand years, despite being exposed to the elements and other natural forces. Its preservation is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient sculptors who created it. The statue is now a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, and many visitors from around the world come to marvel at its beauty and learn about its rich history.

In conclusion, the Avukana Buddha Statue is a unique and magnificent example of ancient Sri Lankan sculpture. Its well-defined features, unique posture, and deep historical significance make it a true masterpiece of Sinhalese art. As a symbol of Buddhist philosophy and iconography, the Avukana Buddha Statue continues to inspire visitors from around the world with its beauty and grace.

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(Cover Image Credit: N.A. Wimalasena from Facebook)

Kande Viharaya Temple in Beruwala

Kande Viharaya Temple in Beruwala

Beruwala is a small town located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and rich cultural heritage. Kande Viharaya Temple, also known as the Temple of the Hill, is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Beruwala.

The Kande Viharaya Temple is located on a hill overlooking the town of Beruwala. The temple was built in the 18th century and has since been an important center of Buddhist worship in the region. The temple is believed to have been built by a local nobleman named Sugathadasa, who was a huge devotee of Lord Buddha.

The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the hill to reach the temple or take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the top. Once at the temple, visitors can explore the various buildings and monuments that make up the complex.

One of the most striking features of the Kande Viharaya Temple is the large statue of the Buddha at the entrance. The statue is over 48 feet tall and is one of the most giant Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Visitors can also see several other statues of the Buddha inside the temple, as well as intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology.

Another interesting feature of the Kande Viharaya Temple is the Bodhi tree that stands in the courtyard. The Bodhi tree is believed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is considered sacred by Buddhists and is a popular spot for meditation and prayer.

Visitors to the Kande Viharaya Temple can also take part in various religious rituals and ceremonies. The temple hosts regular prayer sessions and meditation classes; visitors are welcome to participate. There are also several festivals and events held at the temple throughout the year, including the Vesak festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Overall, the Kande Viharaya Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and Buddhist tradition. The temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, stunning views of the surrounding area, and a chance to learn more about one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating religions.

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(Featured Image Credit: Jani Vibes from Facebook)

Weherahena Temple in Matara

Weherahena Temple in Matara

Weherahena Temple or someone called “Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya,” is another nice place to visit in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site with a large Buddha statue. The temple is considered the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. But there is no great historical value behind this. The distance to Weherahena Temple from Colombo is 170  km, and from Matara city, it is 7 km.

There is an interesting story behind this tourist attraction. It dates back to the early 20th century. Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero has arrived in the Weherahena area as a punishment from his teacher. The land was approximately 0.5 acres in size at the time, and it was made up of a Bodhi tree. The Thero then built a small clay house on the land with the support of the people. He then decided to develop the temple and planned to build it into the largest Buddha statue in the world. He also wanted to build a tunnel temple, as has been mentioned in the Ummagga Jathaka Story.

In 1939, the Thero began construction on the planned temple with the help of Anagarika Dharmapala. The tunnel was first made, and the work on the large statue was started later. Finally, the statue was completed in 1976. Japan was also encouraged to rebuild the temple in a modern style after 1976. The area of the whole temple is nearly 3 acres today.

Today, visitors to the temple can see the beautiful and decorated art on the tunnel walls. The 39-meter height Buddha statue has brought massive attraction to the temple from the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha statue is also thought to be in the samadhi position.

We suggest you visit this beautiful Weherahena Temple during your tour of southern Sri Lanka.

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(Featured Image Credit: Gamini Nishantha from Facebook)