Gadaladeniya Viharaya

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A Dravidian architecture temple built by King Bhuvanekabahu IV of Gampola in 1344, Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a unique building made with large granite slabs. Like its neighbour the Lankathilaka Viharaya, Gadaladeniya also inherits Sinhalese architectural features from the Polonnaruwa Era. Inside the main shrine there is an 8 feet high seated Buddha statue depicting the Dhayana Mudra pose.

The temple is unique by its architecture. The two shikaras (peaks in the building) are built using bricks, however almost the rest is built with large granite slabs. The feet of the shikaras are octagonal however they have been given the shape of a dagoha from outside.

The Dragon’s Arch “Makara Thorana” at the entrance with paintings of gods Brahma, Sakra, Sntusita, Saman, Natha and Maitreya is a highlight in this temple.

The temple is designed by a South Indian architect named Ganesvarachari.