Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo. Founded by the renowned scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th century, as a place of learning, the temple has evolved into an important cultural centre and a respected seat of learning.
The temple is one of the most popular things to do in Colombo and features extraordinary Buddhist treasures which provide insight into Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.
First constructed as a small temple and shrine in 1885 near the banks of the Beira Lake, the temple gradually expanded into a larger complex, featuring a treasure trove of Buddhist relics, statues, art, and other Buddhist artifacts from around the world.
The serene Seema Malakaya (floating temple) is used for ordaining Buddhist monks. The Gangaramaya temple hosts the annual Navam Perahera (Navam: Buddhist All Saints Day falling on a full moon day; Perahera: Sinhalese term meaning ‘parade’) and Vesak (the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar symbolising Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment & death) festival, both of which are two iconic events in Sri Lanka.
Visitors enter this serene sanctuary to be greeted by the magnificent image house on the left. The temple’s architecture combines traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist elements with modern influences. The ornate main shrine showcases a host of intricately sculptured colourful art and architecture featuring highlights of the Buddha’s life and stories. The image house is a wall-to-wall painted interior with famous disciples of the Buddha, devotees and stories of the Buddha’s past life called Jataka Stories.
The main blessing hall is where the devotees receive blessings from the monks of the temple and has an elaborate “Pirith Mandapaya” (pirith: buddhist chanting; mandapaya meaning a gazebo-like structure) where Buddhist monks sit and chant sacred stanzas to bestow blessings. The hall also has glass showcases with many Buddhist statues and other artifacts on display. The back end of the hall has a complex of bronze seated Buddha statues in meditation.
The sacred Bo Tree is located on a flight of stairs where you can witness devotees chanting Buddhist prayers seeking blessings from the tree which sheltered the Buddha when he attained enlightenment. The temple has a two-story museum next to the Bo Tree where a host of Buddhist artifacts from around the world are showcased.
Across the street on the Beira Lake lies the Seema Malakaya, where golden Buddha statues line the perimetre across the backdrop of the lake.
The temple is famous for hosting the Navam Maha Perahera, a solemn and colourful procession held since 1979, in the month of February each year. The festival attracts thousands of devotees and tourists, where masked dancers, fire eaters, drummers, along with elephants including tuskers (who are assigned to carry the sacred relic through the streets), all add colour to the procession.
During Vesak, the most sacred full moon day for Buddhists, which falls in May, the streets surrounding the temple and the entire area of the Beira Lake are transformed into a vibrant Buddhist festival zone in honour and reverence of Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana, lasting for several days. The celebration features colourful Vesak lanterns of various shapes and sizes, ‘Dansal’ or free food and drink stalls, Buddhist storytelling through art, religious performances, and more.
Note: Please remove footwear prior to entering the temple and dress appropriately to respect this sacred place of worship.
Gangarama Temple
61 Sri Jinarathana Rd, Colombo said 00200
Hours: The temple is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm
+94112435169
Website: https://gangaramaya.com
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily.
Tickets: LKR 400 (Adults) and LKR 200 (Children) – (Rates Current as at June 2024)