Nuwan Wickramasinghe

5.0

Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya with an ancient monastery is found on the flat rock at Diggala in the district of Kandy. According to an inscription, this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344. The chief architect of this temple has been a South Indian called Ganesvarachari. Therefore this temple is essentially built following the Indian Vijayanagar architectural style. The vihara complex in Gadaladeniya is built over a rock plateau spreading from north to south. According to the Gadaladeniya inscription by Dharmakirti, the Devala at Gadaladeniya had been constructed for the protection of the vihara. The main shrine room has a seated (in Vajrasana) Buddha Statue under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images. The makara thorana is decorated on both faces with gods such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhusuta, Natha and Maithree, and two attendants. The chamber within the Sikhara (dome) has had a Buddha Image but has been destroyed by the Portuguese. Next to the shrine room is a Devale (shrine) dedicated to God Visnu. According to Mahavansa, The great chronicle of Sri Lanka, It was “Upulvan Deiyo” thus Visnu who was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism within it at the time of Buddha’s passing away. Therefore this deity has a special place among the Sri Lankans. By the side of the Visnu Devale is a Stupa made of a rock. This is believed to have been constructed by King Parakramabahu V. This stupa has a roof built over it held on 4 pillars. 4 smaller satellite stupas are built on small shrine rooms around the main stupa. This structure is called the Vijayothpaya or Vijayantha Prasada named after the mythical palace of god Indra. This temple was neglected for some time and then it was handed over to the Velivita Saranankara Thero by King Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1707 – 1739) and this temple has been looked after ever since by his pupillary succession. Though this temple is known as “Gadaladeniya” today, An inscription identifies this temple as “Dharma Kirthi Viharaya” which is the name of the founding monk. The work “Nikaya Sangrahaya” identifies this temple as “Saddharmathilake” and “Saddharmalankaraya” identifies this as “Gadaladeniya Viharaya” after the village in which it is located.

SP UK

5.0

When the Google map was followed we were directed through a poor quality road. It is best to ask from the villagers where the temple is than follow the Google map. There is free parking at the entrance and ample parking area. The temple is situated on a rock and it is a beautiful sight. There are booklets to buy regarding the history of the temple. Sadly, the place is very poorly maintained and the paintings inside the temple left to decay. The colour had peeled off and it is hardly conserved. A new roof had been built over the main temple area where the statue of the Lord Buddha is kept. There are two main stone inscriptions which are also left to decay and hardly preserved. Attention needs to be drawn to better preservation of these priceless efforts from our ancestors.

Ravindu Lakmal

4.0

Visited the historic Gadaladeniya Temple — currently under maintenance, but it doesn’t disturb the experience. While it’s not completely calm or quiet, the temple’s charm and cultural beauty still shine through

Hemalie Nandalal

5.0

Old and nicely kept temple. But toilets are only for foreigners.

Aruna Mapalagamage

4.0

One of the ancient temple locate in Kandy , Pilimathalawa area. Can easily find from google maps. The main building is under preservation process. Can see how Buddhist temple looks in way back several centuries ago.