Tuesday Dec 03, 2024

Colombo Gangaramaya Temple, Sri Lanka

Address

Colombo Gangaramaya Temple, 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka

Deity

Buddha

Introduction

  • Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
  • It showcases a mix of modern architecture and cultural elements.
  • Located on the Beira Lake, the temple was completed in the late 19th century.
  • The temple complex includes several notable structures such as:
    • Vihara (temple)
    • Cetiya (Pagoda)
    • Bodhi tree
    • Vihara Mandiraya
    • Seema Malaka (assembly hall for monks)
    • Relic Chamber

Puranic Significance

  • The temple’s main premises house a large statue of Buddha, with ceilings depicting the tales of his life.
  • Gangaramaya Temple was constructed in the late 19th century by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera.
  • The temple gained popularity in Sri Lanka and globally, attracting devotees from India, Thailand, China, and beyond due to its unique architectural blend.
  • In addition to being a place of worship, it functions as a center of learning.
  • Don Bastian (Mudaliyar de Silva Jayasuriya Goonewardane), a 19th-century shipping merchant, bought land from three Moors to build the temple.
  • The land was marshy and bordered by Moragoda Ela and Pettigala Ela, and it was filled and prepared at great expense to create the temple grounds.
  • The temple was originally named Padawthota Gangaramaya Viharaya.
  • Don Bastian, with community support, built several structures including:
    • A great Chaitya (Dagaba) of 30 Riyans
    • A decorative arch (Thorana)
    • A ‘Sandakada Pahana’ modeled on those in Anuradhapura
    • A three-storied preaching hall
    • Surrounding walls, railings, and a moat
  • A sapling of the sacred Bo tree from Sri Maha Bodhiya, Anuradhapura, was planted by Don Bastian and nurtured.

Century/Period/Age

19th century

Managed By

Department of Archaeology

Nearest Bus Station

Jinarathana

Nearest Railway Station

Bambalapitiya

Nearest Airport

Colombo

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