Gadaladenyia Vihara

Gadaladenyia Vihara

Gadaladenyia Vihara (also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya) is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy, Srilanka. 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 India 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 Sinhalease architectural from the Polonnaruwa era and other Indo Chinese architectural patterns.

Celebrated scholarly monks who have resided at the temple include Sangharaja Dharmakirthi II, the author of the Sangharaja Nikaya (14-15th century) and Vimalakirthi I. The temple was abandoned until King Vira Parakrama Narendra Sinha (1707-1739) handed over it to Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero, whose pupils have looked after the temple ever since.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadaladeniya_Vihara