Gangaramaya Temple is a famous and iconic Buddhist place of worship in Colombo. Among tourists, it has also gained a reputation as one of the more popular places to visit in Colombo.
The temple is not only a place of worship, but also a school of Buddhist learning and a museum that houses a huge collection of Buddhist relics from around the world.
The temple's architecture demonstrates an eclectic mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture. This Buddhist temple includes several imposing buildings and is situated not far from the placid waters of Beira Lake on a plot of land that was originally a small hermitage on a piece of marshy land. It has the main features of a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagada) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Seema malaka (assembly hall for monks) and the Relic Chamber. In addition, a museum, a library, a residential hall, a three storeyed Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also on the premises.
What was once a swamp adjoining the famous Beira Lake, a landmark in the capital city, is today a vibrant complex comprising the Gangaramaya temple, the ‘seema malaka’ – an assembly hall for monks – in the picturesque Beira Lake and a vocational training institute. The temple has been in existence for over 120 years, having being established by one of the most famous scholar monks, Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumanagala Nayaka Thera, founder of the Vidyodaya Pirivena, originally an institute of oriental learning for monks, now a State University – Sri Jayewardenapura University. Currently it is run by one of Sri Lanka’s more politically adept monks, the venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thera. This bustling temple complex has a library, a museum and an extraordinarily eclectic array of bejewelled and gilded gifts presented by devotees and well-wishers over the years.
Navam Perahera
Gangaramaya is the focus of the Navam Perahera (procession) on the poya (full-moon) day in February each year.
The Navam Perahera, held annually in February, displays the rich religious and cultural tradition of Sri Lanka. Hundreds of monks clad in colourful robes solemnly walking in the procession are a unique sight. Youth clad in white carrying Buddhist flags march in front. Dancers display the different types of dances prevalent in different parts of the country. So do the drummers, who exhibit their skill in handling numerous forms of drums.
Artisans turn out in their best traditional performances and regalia, including cane dancers, fire dancers, whip crackers, drummers, and traditional dancers with the highlight of the evening being the majestic elephant carrying sacred relics housed in a casket that’s carried on its back.
Seema Malaka
Seema Malaka is a part of the Gangaramaya Temple and is situated few hundred meters to its east.
The temple is mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship. Situated in the Beira Lake, the temple was originally constructed in the late 19th century.
The original structure slowly sank into the water in 1970s. In 1979, Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa was brought in to redesign and construct the temple, which stands today. The reconstruction was funded by a Sri Lankan Muslim businessman, S. H. Moosajee, and his wife, in memory of their son Ameer S. Moosajee.
The cache itself is closer to this structure (Seema Malaka) and is about 250m NW of the main temple. The photo below was taken at this structure on the day the cache was placed.
Please take special care to avoid being seen by muggles.