Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple Sri lanka
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is one of the most significant temples in the city, known for its blend of modern architecture and cultural essence.
Situated near Beira Lake in the heart of Colombo, the temple was established in 1885 by Venerable Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. Originally a small hermitage on marshy land, it has grown into a complex that includes the Vihara (monastery), Cetiya (pagoda), Vihara Mandiraya (Image House filled with colourful Buddha statues), Seema Malaka (assembly hall for monks), the Bodhi Tree, a Relic Chamber, a library, and a museum.
At the far end of the courtyard are rows of elevating steps adorned with Buddha statues in the Thai style, creating a striking skyline. The temple is renowned for its lavish architecture and statues, showcasing artistic styles from Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, Burma, and more. The exterior is elaborately decorated, featuring golden adornments, while the black slate tiled grounds are dotted with various statues of Buddha, lions, and nymphs, alongside Chinese vases.
The impressive doors to the main sanctuary are crafted with intricate wood carvings of elephants and swans, reflecting the island’s ancient craftsmanship. Statues and images throughout the complex have been donated by Thailand, Myanmar, China, and Japan. The walls of the Vihara Mandiraya depict significant events from Buddha’s life and his teachings, and the ceiling of the hall displays important Buddhist centres in Sri Lanka.
The temple’s most distinguishing feature is its museum, which houses numerous Buddha statues from around the world, as well as statues of Hindu gods, old watches, Dutch coins, and various antique collectibles. Among these treasures is the smallest Buddha statue on the island, carefully encased in a glass box for visitors to view with a magnifying glass.
Gangaramaya is not only a place of worship but also a centre of learning. Led by Ven Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thero, who assumed administration as a 16-year-old novice monk, the temple is dedicated to social service.
Some notable social initiatives include community development projects like Na Sevana, vocational training centres, orphanages for street children, homes for the differently abled and the elderly, and the publication of Buddhist literature. The temple has also played a vital role in establishing Buddhist centres abroad, such as the Buddhist temple on Staten Island, the Buddhist Centre in New York, and the Buddhist Centre in Tanzania, promoting the Dhamma internationally.
One of the grandest festivals at Gangaramaya, the Navam Perahera, has been celebrated annually since 1979 on the full moon day in February. The vibrant pageant features whip crackers, fire dancers, flag bearers, traditional dancers, drummers, flutists, and hundreds of elephants adorned in elaborate costumes.
The temple also hosts extravagant Vesak celebrations in Colombo, particularly the Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival. Every April, during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the temple conducts a weeklong chanting of Sathi Pirith (Buddhist prayers), invoking blessings from the Noble Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha) for all people, regardless of race or religion.
The stunning Gangaramaya Temple welcomes everyone, regardless of faith, though visitors are required to cover their shoulders and legs when entering this sacred space. Rather than vast open spaces, expect an array of fascinating artifacts and crowds at Gangaramaya Temple.