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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