Kandy Temples

Kandy, a historic city in Sri Lanka, is home to several revered temples that showcase rich cultural and religious heritage. These sacred sites feature intricate architecture, ancient murals, and spiritual significance, attracting devotees and visitors alike. Some temples house important relics, while others offer insights into centuries-old Buddhist traditions. Ornate carvings, serene surroundings, and annual religious ceremonies enhance their charm, making them key landmarks of spiritual devotion and cultural appreciation in Sri Lanka.

Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, Kandy

• Located in Gadaladeniya, on the border of Udunuwara and Yatinuwara in the Kandy District.
• Built on a rock, renowned for its metalwork ornaments.
• Constructed in 1344 A.D. by King Bhuvanekabahu IV.
• Originally named Dharmakirti Viharaya, also referred to as Saddharmatilaka and Gadaladeniya Viharaya.
• Neglected until King Narendrasinghe dedicated it to Velivita Sangharaja.
• Main shrine features South Indian architectural influences with a seated Buddha under a Makara Torana.
• Secondary shrine has a cruciform layout with a large central sikhara and smaller ones in each wing.

Embekka Devale, Kandy

• Located in Embekke, near Daulgala in Udunuwara, about 8 miles from Kandy.
• Famous for its intricate medieval wood carvings.
• Entrance (Vahalkada) has 16 wooden pillars with carvings, including a mother and child.
• Roof structure supported by 26 rafters held together by the Madol Kurupuwa wooden pin.
• Decorated with carvings of entwined swans, double-headed eagles, wrestlers, and dancing figures.
• Main sanctum follows a traditional Devale shrine design with a high sloping roof.
• Digge (Dancing Hall) has 32 intricately carved wooden pillars and 514 decorative designs.
• Drummers’ Hall (Hewisi Mandapaya) features wooden pillars from an abandoned Royal Audience Hall.

Lankatilaka Viharaya, Kandy

• Located in Handessa, 12 km from Peradeniya Bridge.
• Built on Panhalgala rock with panoramic views of hills, paddy fields, and forests.
• Constructed in 1344 CE by Minister Senalankadhikara under King Bhuvanekabahu IV.
• Originally four stories high, now only the ground and part of the first floor remain.
• Architecture features Polonnaruwa-era Sinhalese, Dravidian, and Indo-Chinese influences.
• Temple entrance flanked by gajasimhas (elephant-lion sculptures) leading to a pavilion.
• Inner chamber houses a colossal seated Buddha under an ornate Makara Torana.
• Murals depict 24 Buddhas and deities such as Upulvan, Saman, Vibhisana, and Skanda.

Degaldoruwa Viharaya, Kandy

• Located in Amunugama, 7 km from Kandy.
• Cave temple built into a rock outcrop.
• Set on a rock terrace, with a Bo tree and stupa at the top.
• Features two antechambers: a drumming hall and a vestibule.
• Murals depict Jataka stories, including Sutasoma Jataka, Vessantara Jataka, and Silava Jataka.
• A notable mural illustrates Buddha’s spiritual conquest over Mara (Mara Yuddha).
• Murals follow a unique style where human figures, animals, and trees are drawn in uniform sizes.