Gangaramaya Temple

Weather :

Label : Top Attraction

Tags : Temple

Timings : 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Entry Fee : No entry fee for the locals. 
A nominal fee of LKR 200 for foreigners is charged
The entry fee grants access to Gangaramaya Temple and the Seemamalakaya Temple across the road.

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Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo Overview

The Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, located on Beira Lake. 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.

The temple uniquely blends architectural styles from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China, and India. One can see the architectural combination in the temple’s features like the Vihara, which is the main temple, Cetiya (which is a pagoda), the Bodhi Tree, Seema Malaka, which is the assembly hall for monks, the Vihara Mandiraya, and the relic chamber where all the relics are stored.

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Things to do

The central corridor has a Buddha statue and a museum around it which displays numerous colourful Buddha statues. There are a lot of things to see in this magnificent temple that you wouldn’t want to miss. There is an old bodhi, which was first planted as a Bo sapling brought from Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura. There are Buddha statues in many positions like sitting, standing, sleeping and meditating, made of metals like bronze and gold. Some of the relics that should not be missed are buddha’s hair, colossal ivory tusks, 14 kg solid ruby Buddha statue, world’s smallest Buddha figurine, ancient manuscripts, old paintings and gifts from devotees.

Devotees are known for gifting luxuriously to the temple. You will find an impressive array of expensive cars like the Rolls Royce, Mercedes etc. which are gifted by the devotees. Apart from the cars, they also gift things like expensive watches, ornaments, and artifacts to the temple. There also resides an elephant that participates in the yearly parade held at Kandy and carries the Buddha tooth relic in the procession.

Tips

1) Dress conservatively. For men, long pants and a shirt that covers the shoulders are necessary. The women may wear skirts or pants, but the knees should be covered, and the top shouldn’t be transparent with the shoulders covered.
2) Remove caps and slippers at the entrance.
3) Take permission to carry photography equipment.
4) Don’t turn your back towards the Buddha statue to take photos, as it is considered rude by the locals.
5) Keep your phones silent to maintain the temple's peace and avoid disturbing fellow worshipers.

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Gangaramaya Temple Reviews

Your rating

Mani Maran

on Gangaramaya Temple 3 years ago
This is an awesome place,one can get relaxed by getting positive vibes around this temple! Many of the people come to god to solve their problems! There is another way to get solutions to their probl (Read More)ems, that is online astrology site ! This website provides lot of best astrologers for predicting your future and enhancing your life!

on Gangaramaya Temple 5 years ago
Had a peaceful experience. Beautiful calm place to visit. The second temple in the water body is pleasant to be at.

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