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    Gangaramaya Temple

    An Iconic Buddhist Temple in Colombo

    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.

    Highlights
    • Buddhist Musuem
    • Seema Malakaya
    • Navam Perehera
    • The Temples Image House
    • Vesak Festival

    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.

    Seema Malakaya

    Gangaramaya Temple

    Seema Malakaya

    Known as “the floating temple,” this serene structure was designed by the esteemed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. The temple is built on platforms that seemingly float on the calm waters of Beira Lake, creating a sombre atmosphere. Its design harmoniously blends traditional Sri Lankan architectural elements with modern aesthetics, featuring wooden pillars, intricate carvings, and a distinctive roof adorned with colourful tiles.

    Seema Malakaya serves as a meditation space and a venue for religious ceremonies, offering a tranquil retreat for practitioners and visitors alike. It is particularly popular for meditation sessions and spiritual retreats, providing a peaceful environment conducive to inner reflection and mindfulness. Visitors can explore the temple’s serene surroundings, admire its architectural beauty, and participate in religious rituals and offerings.

    Museum, Cultural and Educational Hub

    Museum, Cultural and Educational Hub

    Museum, Cultural and Educational Hub

    Beyond its role as a place of worship, Gangarama serves as a cultural centre and seat of learning. It hosts various educational programs and community services, promoting Buddhism and cultural preservation. The temple is a treasure trove of Buddhist relics, statues, art, and other artifacts from around the world for couples to explore.

    Navam Maha Perahera

    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.

    Vesak Festival Zone

    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.

    Hours of Operation and Location

    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)

    Speak to Our Concierge
    Telephone
    +94 76 757 8865
    whatsapp
    +94 76 757 8865
    Address
    2D,
    Inner Bagatalle Road,
    Colombo 03,
    Sri Lanka.

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