Gadaladeniya Ancient Buddha Temple - Kandy

There are three famous 14th century ancient temples around Central Sri Lanka, namely Lankatilaka Vihara, Gadaladeniya Vihara and Embekke Devale. Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient monastery on a hilltop at Diggala in Kandy district. Basing on the rock inscription, the temple was built by Gampola King Buwanekabahu IV in year 1344. The architectural design followed South Indian's style as it was constructed by a south Indian architect named Ganes Varachari.



The Vijayothpaya styled Stupa that was surrounded by four smaller satellite stupa was built on a rock, with a roof supported by four pillars. Beneath the four small stupa are rooms enshrined with seated Buddha Images and walls inside the shrines are full of colorful frescoes. The structure was believed to have been built by King Parakramabahu V from Gampola Kindgom.



It was said that there was a Buddha image enshrined in the chamber within the main Sikhara Dome but was destroyed by the Portuguese in 15th century.



The run down conditioned stone steps, moonstone and the wooden door that lead to the four little shrine halls.



There are four stone guardian elephants holding different symbolic items with their trunks at four corners of the small stupa but most of them are quite badly in shape.



The broken elephants were not repaired or have any sign to restore.



The entire room of the little shrine halls built under the four small stupa were adorned with frescoes and sculptures..



Each small hall is enshrined with a seated posture of Lord Buddha with a dragon throne in the colorful Kandyan features.



The sculpted features on the Dragon throne where Buddha seated.






Most of these Kandyan period sculptures and interior frescoes depict the Jataka stories of Lord Buddha.



Painted figures included monks and royal devotees and we were quite surprised to find that one of the kings' pictures appeared on the wall looked like Jesus Christ.



The golden paintings of Buddha and Bhikkhus.



Some of the paintings unfortunately, had been fading.



Gadaladeniya Viharaya was first identified as Dharma Kirthi Viharya named after its founding monk but it was finally named after the village where it stood. The temple was neglected for quite sometimes in a period until early 18th century when King Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1707-1739) handed over to Rev. Velivita Saranankara Thero. Since then, it has been looking after by the monk and his successors.



It is time for the 700 over years old main temple building to go for some repair and restoration. At this moment, I just wish that I can have a lot of money to contribute to all these ancient temples and built them back to old glory. Anyway, as a Buddhist, it was glad to see that measurement was taken to protect and preserve all these Buddhist heritage.



The Main shrine building was under scaffolding that many visitors could not have an actual picture of it. We were very lucky to have met a resident monk who presented us two pictures of the original old building which look so great.



The Temple site has become an attraction to many Buddhist pilgrims as well as history enthusiasts.



The carved stone pillars are great piece of art that reflects the high level and standard of the artisans from that era.



The pair of sculptures placed at the door steps at Main Shrine are mixture of a lion and elephant, which appeared quite commonly in many of the Sri Lanka heritage spots.



Carvings on the moonstones began to worn off.



The interesting figurine carvings along its stone wall



The musical and dancing deities were lively carved on the stone wall.



These features are found at the pillars base.



Enshrined in the main hall are an image of Buddha in his Vijrasana posture seated under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images.



The Makara Thorana was decorated and built with Brahmas, Deities and attendants.



The standing images of Buddha in the main shrine .



The robe that Buddha wearing are beautiful.



It is a great blessing to have been escorted here and pay homage to the Buddha images built in 14th century.



A relic casket embedded with shining gems was placed on the altar in front of the seated Buddha.



The artifacts include a huge brass cauldron which was used to contain new crop for offering to Buddha.



The attractive drawing at the bell chamber.



The interesting and impressive ceiling paintings.



The door opened to the shrine hall is rather thick and heavy and the colorful designs, are gorgeous.



There was a Devale Hall near the shrine. It was built to dedicate to Hindu God Vishnu who was said to be chosen as a Guardian to protect Buddhism in the country.



There are few little lotus pond on the flat rock in front of main shrine and Stupa.



The ponds belong to these awesome plants and perhaps also a home to this snake, which was found moving freely from one pond to another.



The vibrant Bodhi tree opposite the Stupa and main shrine.



Bodhi Tree was winded up by all these gold gilded poles. The village of Diggala where Gadaladeniya Temple located is famous for its fine and high quality gold gilded items.



The little shrine under the Bodhi Tree.



Gold gilded images of Buddha housed in the shrine under Bodhi Tree.



Besides light, water and flowers are the common items that are offered to Buddha.



Antic candle holders.



Rear view of the ancient temple buildings.



History of the temple was clearly indicated by the inscription on the rock.



Steps were carved onto the huge rock leading to the temple.



The structure that was under restoration is one of the oldest structures at Gadaladeniya Temple site.



If I am not mistaken, the building that is embraced in a wooded forest is the residential hall for monks.



The entrance gate of Gadaladeniya Viharaya.



Sri Lanka is one of the world producers for cinnamon and cloves. The clove trees are unexpectedly huge and tall.



The tiny clove flowers are pretty.