An ancient temple of worship, the Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya is a prominent archaeological protected monument that attracts many a local and foreign visitor fascinated by its ornate interiors and religiously significant features.
The highlights
Found in the glorious ancient capital, Kandy, the Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya has been constructed on a flat rock, built entirely of granite and brick. Renowned as a major archaeological monument in Sri Lanka, this temple features many prominent Buddhist statues that attract devotees from all over the world
Reaching the temple
Located just past the Gadaladeniya junction on the Colombo-Kandy road (A1) is the Gadaladeniya road leading to the temple. If you are based in a nearby hotel in Kandy including the likes of Kings Pavilion Kandy that is just half an hour away, you can easily make a memorable trip to the temple.
History of the temple
The history of the Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya stretches back to the 14th century. The historical records reveal that the temple was constructed during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV (1341-1351). The temple was said to have subsequently been abandoned until it was occupied by Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero.
Architecture of the temple
Although the temple is said to have been constructed by a South Indian architect, it depicts both Dravidian architecture and the Sinhalese architecture from the Polonnaruwa era. This spectacular architectural marvel also has several stupas, an ornate Dragon’s Arch or a “Makara Thorana” and an 8-foot high statue of Lord Buddha among other religiously significant features.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
