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Gangaramaya Temple-by AKS.9955-

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Gangaramaya Temple

One of Colombo’s most famous and recognizable temples is Gangaramaya Temple. The architecture of the Gangaramaya temple is a fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese designs.

The Gangaramaya complex, which is made up of the main temple, a museum, a library, and vocational training facilities, is situated on the banks of the renowned Beira Lake in Colombo 2.

A typical Sri Lankan temple is not the 120-year-old Gangaramaya. This fascinating temple complex is simultaneously a very well-liked tourist destination, a place of worship, and a learning and vocational training center.

It is located in the busy inner-city of Colombo, close to the picturesque Beira Lake. Here are fascinating facts about Gangaramaya Temple.

1. Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple Colombo (18)-by Sasha India-

As a blend of contemporary design and cultural significance, Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s most significant temples.

It quickly rose to fame for its uncommon fusion of Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, and Chinese architectural elements.

The temple’s facade is flamboyantly embellished with intricate patterns and glittering adornments.

The grounds of the temple are black slate tiled, and there are numerous statues of Buddha, lion, nymph, and china vases scattered around.

It’s more than just a house of worship. The Gangaramaya Temple doubles as a school.

2. Temple’s architecture is unique

The temple’s design combines elements from Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese styles. 

This Buddhist temple, which consists of a number of impressive structures, is located not far from the serene waters of Beira Lake on a parcel of land that was formerly a modest hermitage in a marshy area.

The essential characteristics of a vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda), the bodhi tree, the vihara mandiraya, the Seema Malaka (monks’ gathering hall), and the relic chamber are all present in this structure.

The architecture of Seema Malaka, which was constructed thanks to money from a Muslim sponsor and Geoffrey Bawa’s design, is most notable among tourists.

3. Ngaramaya Temple was the home for erudite scholars 

The temple served as the residence for learned individuals including Pandit Batuwantudawe and Ratmalana Sri Dharmarama Thero.

Waskaduwa Sri Subhuti Thero, Weligama Sri Sumangala Thero, and Welivitiye Sri Dhammaratna Thero.

4. The temple’s most distinguishing feature is its treasure-trove museum

Gangaramaya Temple (Seated Buddha 01)-by Dan Arndt-

The temple’s treasure-trove museum, which has countless Buddha sculptures from throughout the world together with statues of Hindu gods, old timepieces, Dutch coins, and many other antique artifacts, stands out as its most distinctive feature.

The temple museum proudly displays the island’s smallest Buddha statue, which guests can examine up close using a magnifying lens.

The majority of the glittering and jeweled objects in this area are gifts given to the head monk of the temple, Ven.

5. Galaboda Gnanissara Thero assumed administration of the temple as a 16-year-old novice monk

Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thera-by AKS.9955-

One of the most well-known religious leaders on the island, Galaboda Gnanissara Thero, took over the Gangarama when he was a 16-year-old novice monk.

Gnanissara Thero is an avid traveler, and as a result, the temple is filled with bizarre trinkets he’s collected from places he’s traveled, such as a sculpture of a “cool” Buddha wearing sunglasses.

Visitors can ogle the venerable monk’s collection of vintage Rolls-Royces and Mercedes, including Sri Lanka’s first Mercedes, as well as his love of antique cars.

6. The temple is open to everyone regardless of faith

The temple has a distinct charm and welcomes people of many different religions.

It has played a crucial role in the establishment of the Staten Island Buddhist Temple in the United States.

Also, the Buddhist Center in New York, and the Buddhist Centre in Tanzania, aid in the spread of the Dhamma to new nations.

7. It is a tourist destination

Gangaramaya Temple (Buddha Relics)-by Dan Arndt-

At the entrance to the temple’s main sanctuary, two medium-sized golden Buddha statues guard the entrance like sentinels.

The door itself is a magnificent piece of craftsmanship, with elaborate elephant and swan wood carvings that harken back to the island’s earlier artistic traditions. The exit door is also etched in a similar manner.

The temple’s main sanctuary is a tranquil space with gentle yellowish accents that houses a sizable Buddha figure in the lotus position, accompanied by statuettes of celestial creatures.

Bright pastel murals of Buddhist tales adorn the ceilings in a beguiling manner. The sanctuary’s columns are breathtakingly decorated with traditional Sri Lankan artwork.

Numerous worshippers dressed in white enter the main shrine to present the Buddha with colorful lotuses before leaving into the courtyard to light oil lamps and burn incense.

Out here, a recognizable stepped wall is adorned with several stupas and Buddha images made of stone. The courtyard of the coral-white stupa and the Bodhi tree are both wonderful locations to find tranquility.

8.Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera founded the Gangaramaya Temple in 1885

The Gangaramaya Temple was built by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th century.

The temple quickly attained widespread acclaim both in Sri Lanka and the rest of the world, including nations like India, Thailand, and China.

9. In the 1970s, the original building gradually sunk into the water

Gangaramaya 2014-by Nigel Swales-

The early 20th century saw the construction of Seema Malaka which is a part of Gangaramaya temple a few hundred meters to the east.

In the 1970s, the historic building began to slowly erode into the lake.

Geoffrey Bawa, a Sri Lankan architect, was hired in 1976 to redesign and build the temple, which is still in existence today. 

In honor of their son Ameer S. Moosajee, a Muslim businessman from Sri Lanka named S. H. Moosajee and his wife provided the funding for the renovation.

10. Gangaramaya Temple dress code

Its dress code would apply to any temple in Sri Lanka. Any kind of casual clothing Providing they reach your knees and cover your entire body from shoulders up.

You will be kindly asked to take off your hats, caps, and hijabs before entering. Leave your shoes and/or slippers at the entryway.

The temple supports elderly homes, a vocational school, and an orphanage as part of its Buddhist humanitarian activity.