Temples in Colombo

The Gangaramaya, located on Beira Lake, is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo. It is a unique blend of architecture and culture and was built in the 19th century and started by the famous scholar-monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. There are several buildings on the premises housing relics, a museum, statues, stupas, and many halls.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple built in the 5th century. It is believed to have been visited by the Buddha on his third visit to the country along with 500 monks after the enlightenment of 8 years, back in 500 BCE. The main attraction is the astounding 90 feet stupa and the intrinsic paintings.

Built in 1916, Isipathanaramaya Temple in Havelock Town is one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in Colombo. This temple in Sri Lanka is widely famous for its exuberant murals painted by Maligawe Sarlis and its melancholic backstory. A wealthy merchant Duenuge Disan Pedris, commissioned it in memory of his son Henry Pedris, who was executed by the British officials wrongfully.

Probably among the most famous Buddhist Temples in the world, Vajiraramaya Temple, established in 1901 by Pelene Sri Vajiraramaya Maha Nayaka Thera is known for its resident monks from all over the world and their alumni who are now in different parts of the world. This temple in Sri Lanka plays a huge role in educating the youth on the principles of Buddhism.

The oldest Hindu Temple in Colombo, Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam, is a skillfully architected temple devoted to Lord Ganesha and Shiva. It also has idols of other Gods and Goddesses from the Hindu religion. It was built by Indians during the 18th century and is a sight for many matrimonial ceremonies for the Tamil Hindus that currently reside in the country.

Built more than a hundred years ago, Kathiresan Pillaiyar Temple is an old temple which is dedicated to the war god of Hindu mythology God Murugan or Skanda. It stands on Galle Road and is known for the separate shrines it keeps for different deities, and for the colourful images of the Hindu pantheon on its walls. Vendors outside sell garlands and ornaments for the deities.

Located on Havelock road in Colombo in Sri Lanka, Mayurapathy Sri Pathrakali Amman Kovil is a popular local Hindu temple that is known for its architecture. It is dedicated to several deities, among them Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Maha Kali Amman. A large functioning hall sits at its centre, and the statues are dressed in colourful clothes, ornaments and garlands.

Situated on the Kew Road in Colombo, Sivasubramania Swami Kovil is a highlight Hindu temple that is dedicated to Lord Skanda or Murugan and is said to be about a century old. Its gopuram, the monumental entrance tower, carries intricate carvings depicting stories from the god's life. The temple draws large numbers of devotees, particularly during the festivals held here for Lord Skanda.

Sri Kaileswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesha, stands to be the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo in Sri Lanka. Built over two centuries ago, the temple is known to be one of the most popular matrimonial sites in the area. Detailing covers the main tower, a lotus-shaped carving marks the main door, and shrines to Ambal, Skanda, Vairavar and Dhurka stand around the sanctum.

Built in South Indian granite in the heart of Colombo, Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil is worth visiting for the intricate carvings that run across its walls and pillars. There is no entry fee. The temple is open throughout the week, and the mornings and evenings, when the pooja is performed, are the times to come.

It is the largest temple in Colombo with three temples in the compound. Divided into Old and New Kathiresan Temple, it was built in 1830. The New Kathiresan Temple is dedicated to Skanda or Murugan who is locally revered as the war god. The two temples together are the starting point of the annual Vel festival, when Murugan's chariot is drawn through the streets of Colombo.