Name: Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya
Address: Gadaladeniya Junction, Daulagala-Pilimathalawa Rd, Sri Lanka, LK
Telephone: +94 812 571 367

Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya is a place of worship, located at Gadaladeniya Junction, Daulagala-Pilimathalawa Rd, Sri Lanka. They can be contacted via phone at +94 812 571 367 for more detailed information.

Location :

Gadaladeniya Junction, Daulagala-Pilimathalawa Rd

Contacts :

Added by Jopie, at 26 October 2016

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Anoma Jayaratne

03 May 2018

Gadaladenyia Viharaya (also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located on Gadaladenyia Road (B116), just up from the Gadaladeniya junction of the Colombo - Kandy Road (A1), approximately 12.5 km (7.8 mi) to the west of Kandy and 3 km (1.9 mi) from the ancient buddhist temple, Lankatilaka Vihara. It is considered one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka.

The history of the temple goes back to the 14th century. According to historical reports this temple was built in 1344, under the patronage of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, who reigned from 1341 to 1351 A. D., by the Ven. Seelavamsa Dharmakirti. The architecture of the temple was designed following Hindu artistic styles by, Ganesvarachari, a South Indian architect. On the rock outcrop, upon which the temple stands, is a carved inscription regarding the temple's construction. The temple was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style incorporating Sinhalese architecture from the Polonnaruwa era and other Indo Chinese architectural patterns.
Celebrated scholarly monks who have resided at the temple include Sangharaja Dharmakirti II, the author of the Sangharaja-Nikāya (14-15th century) and Vimalakirti I.
The temple was abandoned until King Vira Parakrama Narendra Sinha (1707-1739) handed over it to Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero, who's pupils have looked after the temple ever since.
Manusha De Silva

16 March 2018

Nice and ancient valued temple in kandy area built by king buwanekabahu by mixing indian and sri lankan architecture designs as Gedige style .there are 5 Stupa in the temple and its very rare to see.lot of arts and carvings available to see here also behind the temple there are one old rice store . Very interesting place to visit all local and foreign tourists specially its good for school children's.
Miranga Bandara

03 March 2018

Good place to visit Easy to find route to vist
Shahnawaz Shaikh

12 January 2018

This is an old temples and is insisted by all travel guides to visit here. I personally did not find it too interesting. There is entry fee to view the temples, and none of the temple staff gives you information. If you visit alone or with your guide, your visit will be barely few minutes and it wont grab your interest. Yes, there is a historic significance to it, but I would be more interested if the temple staff provides you information, as they are the one who charge you entrance fees. If you plan to visit, its advisable to do your own research on it.
Miyuru Jayasekara

07 January 2018

Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya with an ancient monastery is found on the flat rock at Diggala in the district of Kandy. According to a inscription there this temple was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344. The chief architect of this temple has been a south indian called Ganesvarachari. Therefore this temple is essentially a South Indian design.

The main shrine room has seated (in Vajrasana) Buddha Statue under a Makara Thorana and four standing Buddha images. The makara thorana is decorated on both faces with gods such as Brahma, Suyama, Santhusuta, Natha and Maithree, and two attendants.

The chamber within the Sikhara (dome) has had a Buddha Image but has been destroyed by the Portuguese. Next to the shrine room is a Devale (shrine) dedicated to God Visnu. According to Mahavansa, The great chronicle of Sri Lanka, It was “Upulvan Deiyo” thus Visnu that was selected as the guardian to protect the land of Sri Lanka and Buddhism within it at the time of Buddha’s passing away. There for this deity has special place among the Sri Lankans.

By the side of the Visnu Devale is a Stupa made on a rock. This is believed to have been made by the King Parakramabahu V. This stupa has a roof built over it held on 4 pillars. 4 smaller satellite stupa’s are built on small shrine rooms around the main stupa. This structure is called the Vijayothpaya or Vijayantha Prasada named after the mythical palace of god Indra.

This temple was neglected for some time and then it was handed over to the Velivita Saranankara Thero by the king Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1707 – 1739) and this temple has been looked after ever since by his pupillary succession.

Though this temple is known as “Gadaladeniya” today, An inscription identifies this temple as “Dharma Kirthi Viharaya” which is the name of the founding monk. The work “Nikaya Sangrahaya” identifies this temple as “Saddharmathilake” and “Saddharmalankaraya” identifies this as “Gadaladeniya Viharaya” after the village which it is located.

Primary Source : “Kandy”
By Central Cultural Fund
Dilshani Wijesiri

06 December 2017

The largest rock temple in Sri Lanka. Ancient place. Better to visit early morning
Pasan Weeraratne

23 November 2017

Visit early morning. Nice climate. Biggest stone temple in Sri Lanka.
Dihan Keeriyawatta

26 October 2017

Gadaladeniya temple is the largest rock temple in Sri Lanka built under the patronage of King Buwanekabahu IV in 14th century. Architectural design of this temple mostly influenced by hindu and south indian traditions.
Vijayathero Vijaya

12 September 2017

Located in Pilimathalawa, Kandy just before Peradeniya, this ancient temple is located on the drive from Colombo to Kandy. Built in 1344, this beautiful temple captures the essence of Buddhism in ancient Sri Lanka. It was built by King Buwanekabahu IV in the year 1344 as a monastery on top of a hill, with beautiful views of the surrounding area. The temple seems to almost rise out of the top of a rock that it is built upon, towering over the surrounding area, but it also has a charming rustic quality to it with a large bo tree at the centre. There are several shrine rooms located around the main pagoda that are painted in oranges and reds. The doors of the temple are prime examples of ancient architecture, with large brass handles and are painted in detail with patterns of lotuses and mystical beings, even the steps of the vihare are carved with beautiful designs. There are rock pools surrounding the temple f illed with lotus flowers and tiny fish that add to the temple’s serene atmosphere.
Thushara Krishantha

07 September 2017

Gadaladeniya temple which was build mixed of Hindu and Sri Lankan architecture is another historical place to visit. Paintings and sculptures still remain need to be conserved well. Must visit anyone who's interesting about the history. Very important for school students.
Anuradha Kangara

23 August 2017

This is a nice Temple. The temple is filled with wood carvings!! This was built by the kings of kandy to in order to uplift the Buddhism in Sri Lanka!! Everybody should visit this place. Foreigners especially!! .
Swee Hiang Poh

22 August 2017

This 14th century archeological temple might not have been maintained well for a period of time in the past, but restoration has been done and ongoing. The four-chamber stupa with four Buddha images were respectfully serene.
Udara Nandasena

17 June 2017

From this location you can get a view of Nelligala stupa and Ranawana Buddha Statue..
Kulasingha Sampath

20 April 2017

The Gadaladeniya temple is located in a small hilltop, but can easily reach from the main road. If you are coming by a small vehicles like a car or a van, you can just drive up. Once you are in the summit, you can get a good view of the surrounding area from here.
Diane Et Guillaume Gasc

14 March 2017

Not really worth it but we liked the hike between gadaladeniya and lankathilake temple in the rice fields and the jungle (better ask your way to friendly local people).
Prasanna Sanjeewa

26 January 2017

Gadaladeniya Temple
Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya with an ancient monastery is found on the ﬂat rock at Diggala in the district of Kandy. Gadaladeni Vihara has been built on the South Indian Vijayanagara tradition and consists of the Vihara, image house, chaitya, Bodhi Tree, two devalas and the monastic resi-dence. A few ancient inscriptions are there as well.
Rasika Bandara

02 November 2016

This was under construction at the time we went. So, better to check whether the constructions have been finished, before going. The place was pretty much similar to Lankatilaka temple. Booklets about the temple was available to buy. Parking was available near the temple for free. But it was not a proper parking.