Explore the Gangaramaya Temple, a vibrant Buddhist temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Wander through elaborate halls decorated with intricate carvings and statues that showcase a fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. You have a chance to discover secluded meditation chambers, bright prayer halls, and an old museum, all of which provide a rich cultural experience amidst peaceful surroundings.
Highlights
• Explore the vibrant centre of Buddhist worship and learning at Gangaramaya Temple.
• Visit the serene Seema Malaka meditation hall floating on Beira Lake and offering tranquillity.
• Explore a museum housing ancient artifacts, statues, and exhibits depicting Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage.
• Experience vibrant religious festivals like Vesak, with colourful processions and decorations illuminating the temple's spiritual significance.
• Admire sacred cravings and artifacts at the temple including a statue of Gautama Buddha, revered by devotees.
How To Reach
By car: Gangaramaya Temple is approximately 2 km from Colombo city center and you can easily reach there in about 10 minutes via Darley Rd/T. B. Jayah Mawatha.
Best Time To Visit
Gangaramaya Temple is a year-round attraction and offers a distinctive experience on every visit.
Best day of the week: Consider visiting during the weekdays for a quieter experience. Weekends tend to be filled with crowds resulting in a busier ambience compared to weekdays.
Best time of the day: Plan your visit in the morning hours around 10 AM or in the late afternoon for a quieter experience.
Other Essential Information
- Location: 61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka
- Timings: 6 am to 10 pm, open every day
- Entry Fee: There is no entry ticket to the temple per se. There is a small fee of LKR 100 for entering the museum.
You will also be asked for a donation to the temple when you enter. You can opt to donate however much if you want.
Architecture of Gangaramaya Temple
The architecture of the temple is a mix of elements derived from various countries, including India, Thailand, China, along with Sri Lanka. The temple is predominantly Buddhist and has various buildings on its premises. The main features of the Gangaramaya Temple are inspired from Vihara temple, the Bodhi Tree, the Cetiya (Pagada), and the Vihara Mandiraya.
Along with that, you may also see some resemblances to the Seema Malaka, which is the assembly hall of the monks, and the famous Relic Chamber. The temple has several other buildings in its premises, including but not limited to, a museum, some educational halls, a library, and the popular three stories of Pirivena. There is also an alms hall here.
The most popular tourist destination of all these buildings, from the point of view of architecture, is the Simamalaka Shrine. The place was built by using money from donations by a Muslim sponsor and it is largely inspired by designs by Geoffrey Bawa.
History of Gangaramaya Temple
The temple was built by Don Bastian, aka de Silva Jayasuriya Goonewardane, Mudaliyar. He bought the land at a great expense, as he wanted to build a temple for Matara Sri Dharmarama thero. The lands on both sides of the temple were previously known as Moragoda Ela and the Pettigala Ela. Later on, it was named Padawthota Gangaramaya Vihara.
Don Bastian built the temple’s Chaitya or Dagaba with 30 Riyans. This part of the building now features a beautiful and opulent arch, a Sanadakada Pahana which has been inspired from the one at Anuradhapura. Besides this, Don Bastian also brought a Bo sapling from Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura which he planted with his own hands in the temple premises.He also built the preaching hall, the walls, the moat, and the railings of the temple himself.
Tips for Visiting the Temple
Here are some tips for visiting the temple:
1. Tickets are not required to enter the temple, but there is a fee for entering the museum. The temple also welcomes some donations, so it is considered polite to donate something before you enter the place. Make sure you have some cash on hand.
2. While visiting the temple it is expected for the tourists and locals to dress conservatively. Therefore do not wear sleeveless tops, shorts or skirts. Make sure you are covered properly. This is applicable for both men and women.
3. What is recommended is you should wear something that falls below the knee. This means you don't have to necessarily wear ethnic clothes, and you can wear jeans or trousers. Generally it is wise to have a T-shirt and jeans on.
4. The temple has some of the most beautiful sights and panoramic vistas you will see in Colombo. Therefore, it is recommended to carry your camera along, so that you can capture all the beauty around.
5. The weather here can get quite hot, and the sun can be quite unforgiving. That is why, it is recommended to carry a bottle of sunscreen, and a hat with you, so that you don’t get sunburnt.
6. If you are going to the temple from the city, you should take a tuk tuk instead of a bus or taxi. The ride is quite scenic and beautiful, and it is worth enjoying all the sceneries in the unique ride.
7. When visiting any Buddhist temple, including this one, it is recommended to take off your shoes. It is considered impolite to have them on in the temple premises. Make sure you are wearing flip flops so you can easily take them off. Also carry a bag, so you don’t have to carry them in your hand.
8. Always make sure that you remain on the right side when you are moving in the temple. This shows reverence for Buddha.
9. Do not point towards anyone. Do not greet Buddha verbally. All you have to do is bow. This is considered the proper way to greet Buddha in almost all countries.
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