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Gadaladeniya Viahara

Gadaladenyia Vihara (also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located on Gadaladenyia Road (B116), approximately 12.5 km (7.8 mi) to the west of Kandy. It is considered one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka.

INSCRIPTIONS

The temple consists of inscriptions recording a proclamation made by king Senasammata Vikramabahu his son Yapa Bhandara and other important persons to that effech that no loss of life shall be inflicted in certain provinces of the Kandyan Kingdom

PERAHARA

The Perahara in gadaladeniya is one of the oldest Buddhist festival, featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and lavishly decorated elephants. This is held in Binara (September or October).

HISTORICAL DRAWINGS

Gadaladeniya is famous for Sri Lanka’s best paintings from the Middle Ages. The magnificent door is worth seeing due to its painting, which also dates back to the same time. This is to say, they are 700 years old. It‘s all the more astonishing that medieval paintings have not been restored ever since. The colors still look as fresh as just painted. Second only to the Sigiriya frescos, the paintings on the wings of the door of the Gadaladeniya shrine room are the most popular historical painting in Sri Lanka.

History and Importance

Introduction

     Gadaladeniya Sri Saddharmatilaka Rājamahā Vihāra, situated atop the rock formerly known as “Diggal Atala,” is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Sri Lanka. This temple, constructed in the early fourteenth century, is a testament to the religious and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka. Its unique origins and architectural marvels make it stand out among ancient Buddhist shrines in the country.

Archaeological and Architectural Significance

The Gadaladeniya Vihara, a Buddhist temple designed according to the architectural style of ancient Dravidian Hindu shrines, particularly reflects South Indian architecture. The main temple building bears striKing resemblance to the fundamental features of Shiva temples constructed during the Polonnaruwa period (11th century).

Devale (The Gods' Shrine)

Introduction

     Gadaladeniya Sri Saddharmatilaka Rājamahā Vihāra, situated atop the rock formerly known as “Diggal Atala,” is a significant historical and cultural landmark in Sri Lanka. This temple, constructed in the early fourteenth century, is a testament to the religious and cultural exchanges between India and Sri Lanka. Its unique origins and architectural marvels make it stand out among ancient Buddhist shrines in the country.