Gadaladeniya Temple in Sri Lanka is an ancient monastery built on a rock at diggala in the Kandy District. The temple was built in 1344AD by King Buwanekabahu IV. The temple was designed by the South Indian architect Ganesvarachchari in a design similar to the South Indian architecture. It is reported that the temple was neglected over time until King Virapakarakrama Narendrasinghe (1707 – 1739) handed over his care to Saranankara Thero at Velivita. It was later maintained by his students and students of his generation.
The main shrine, which has a unique South Indian design, is located on a rocky plateau at the top of the monastery premises. Inside, you can see a seated Buddha statue framed by a dragon Torana or dragon arch. It is surrounded by numerous images of deities such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhustika, Maitri, and Natha. Standing statues of the Buddha can be found on either side of the seated Buddha statue. The chamber in the Sikhara (dome) has a Buddha image but was destroyed by the Portuguese. Adjacent to the shrine room is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to the Mahavamsa, Upulvan Deviyo was chosen as the guardian of the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism at the time of the death of the Buddha, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka. This goddess has a special place among Sri Lankans.
[envira-gallery id=”7989″]The seated Buddha statue has a unique style of Gampola Buddhist sculpture. Plastered with lime and sand from bricks and mortar, it is what the intelligent person calls the ‘Diyama Mudra’ or the highest level of meditation. The body is painted gold and the robe is red. Other distinctive features that reflect the influence of South Indian Buddhist sculptures are the wide-open eyes and clear markings on the forehead and neck. The serenity and calm depicted in early Buddha statues are absent from this one. The pedestal on which the statue rests is called the ‘Asana’ and the ‘Mal Asana’ is where floral offerings are placed. This ‘Mal Asana’ is decorated with floral designs said to have been the work of folk artists of the Kandyan era.
Another feature is the dwarf figures or dwarf figures in various places carved on the rock surface. Also, be sure to look for double towers on three sides of the pavilion. These towers are so unique that the only other place where they can be found is in Yapahuwa. Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya reflects the influence of Pandyan and Vijayanagar in terms of architecture and artistic design and it is very clear that it has become a unique place to visit.
