Did you know that Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya holds centuries of history within its walls? The Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Let’s step back in time. We will uncover the secrets and stories of this sacred place. The Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya is near Kandy. It is a place of profound historical significance.
The history of Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya is intertwined with the Gampola kingdom. The majestic Lankathilaka Raja Maha Viharaya is considered an outstanding architectural construction of the Gampola kingdom. King Buwanekabahu IV chose Gampola as his kingdom. He commissioned the construction of Lankathilaka. The temple demonstrates the king’s refined discernment for art and culture. It also shows significant contributions to art.
The architecture of Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya is a beautiful amalgamation. It includes Sinhala architecture of the Polonnaruwa period. Dravidian and Indo Chinese styles are also visible. This blend was the result of enlisting South Indian architect Sthapathi Rayer.
The Gedige style of architecture is prominent here. It is believed that the temple once consisted of four stories. The design included projecting entrance arches on four sides. Elaborate doorways marked each entrance. The main entrance was especially intricate. It featured decorations of celestial and mythical beings. Today the ground level structure and an upper story remain.
Like many temples of the Gampola period, Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya exemplifies the worship of Buddha and deities under one roof. This was a common practice of the time.
As you approach the main doorway you’ll see the Image House. It is from the East. A flight of steps begins with a simple moonstone. Two Gajasinha balustrades flank the sides of the steps. These lead to an arched doorway. The dragon arch is prominently decorated. The guardian figures on the arch are believed to be similar to those at the Tivanka Image House in Polonnaruwa.
Inside the Image House, you will see elegant architectural designs. Wall paintings rich in color adorn the inner walls and the ceiling. A magnificent twelve-foot tall Buddha image stands under a beautiful dragon arch.
What makes Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya unique? The Image House is surrounded by five devales. These have separate entrances. They are devoted to deities.
Rock inscriptions are found in the temple’s precincts. These are cut into the solid rock. Archaeologists have deciphered sections with Sinhala and Tamil inscriptions. These describe the facilities provided to the temple. They also detail land gifted by the kings.
The pristine white structure is elaborately decorated. It features a multitude of pilasters and elephant figures. Windows and hollow spaces add to the beauty of the edifice.
Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya is more than just a temple. It is a living testament to Sri Lanka’s architectural. It also represents artistic and religious traditions. Take a moment to appreciate the intricate details. Remember the stories etched in stone. Let the Gannoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya inspire a sense of reverence and connection to the past.