Gadaladeniya Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple in Pilimathalawa near Kandy, Sri Lanka, is an interesting place for anyone curious about Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical heritage. This temple is famous for its unique architecture and historical value.
Built in 1344 during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, Gadaladeniya Vihara is a fine example of the craftsmanship of its time. Designed by South Indian architect Ganesvarachari, the temple combines Dravidian architectural styles with elements of Sinhalese and Indo-Chinese patterns, creating a striking and important site.
The most notable part of the temple is its central building, made entirely of sculpted granite. This impressive structure sits on a large stone slab and is topped with two shikharas (spires) made of brick. These spires are octagonal, giving the temple a unique look. The roof, added in the 18th or 19th century, features a multi-tiered Sinhalese design, which adds elegance to the building.
The entrance to the shrine room is decorated with an intricately carved Makara Thorana (Dragon’s Arch), showing detailed images of deities like Brahmā and Vishnu. Inside, visitors will see a large statue of a seated Buddha in the ‘Dhyana Mudra’ pose, surrounded by four standing Buddha statues. This central figure offers a special view into the art and religious practices of the Gampola period.
Next to the main shrine room is a devale (shrine) dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Originally dedicated to Varuna, this shrine was later changed to honor Vishnu as his worship grew in popularity. This shows how the temple has connected different cultural and religious practices over time.
In the middle of the temple complex is the Vijayothpaya or Vijayantha Prasada, a secondary shrine built by King Parakramabahu V. This shrine includes a central stupa, about 12.3 meters high, covered by a four-sided roof supported by stone pillars. Surrounding the main stupa are four smaller stupas, each with its own shrine room. These shrines, which once held statues of the Four Heavenly Kings, now feature seated Buddha statues, continuing the tradition of honoring Buddhist icons.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route No. 01 (Colombo-Kandy) from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo. This journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Get off at Pilimathalawa, a town located just before Kandy. From Pilimathalawa, take a local tuk-tuk or a bus heading towards Gadaladeniya Junction, which is approximately 2 km away. The temple is a short walk from the junction.
