Gadaladeniya Temple

Ganga PRADEEPA

Kandy boasts of many religious places of which the most prominent is Dalada Maligawa followed by Ambekke, Lankathilaka, Gannoruwa and Gadaladeniya. Gadaladeniya Temple is one of the well-known destinations in Kandy which was established on the rock at Diggala, 15km from the Kandy town. The beautiful Temple has an old monastery, which you can visit during a tour to Kandy.

The Temple at Gadaladeniya was constructed in the year 1344 by King Buwanekabahu IV in according to an inscription written in this temple. It was designed by many architects. But one of the main architects were Ganesvarachari, who was a South Indian. As a result, the Gadaladeniya Temple is designed in South Indian architecture.

The chief shrine room of Gadaladeniya Temple in Kandy has a statue of the Buddha (in Vajrasana) under a Makara Thorana and four Buddha images in a standing position. On both of its faces, the Makara Thorana is adorned with images of gods like Brahma, Santhusuta, Suyama, Natha and Maithree and two followers.

The chamber which is located inside the “Sikhara” (dome) consists of a Buddha figure. But the image has been ruined by the Portuguese. Just beside the shrine room is a Devale (shrine) which is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The Mahavansa believed that the grand history of Sri Lanka includes “Upulvan Deiyo”. Therefore it is said Lord Vishnu was appointed to save Sri Lanka and Buddhism within it because the Buddha passed away at that time. As a result Sri Lankans give a special veneration to Lord Vishnu.

There is a Stupa which is constructed on a rock beside the Vishnu Devale. Sri Lankans believe that the Stupa has been built by King Parakramabahu. It has a roof which is constructed above it standing on four pillars.

On the little shrine rooms surrounding the central stupa, there are four smaller stupas. This particular formation is known as the “Vijayothpaya or Vijayantha Prasada”. It has got its name after the mythical palace of Lord Indra. Presently Gadaladeniya Temple is identified as “Gadaladeniya”. But according to an inscription this temple is known as “Dharma Kirthi Viharaya”. It is the name of the monk who founded this temple.

Earl’s Regency

An innumerable number of abodes and settling venues have been available in Kandy for travellers throughout the years. High on the list may be the Earl’s Regency Hotel which offers the ideal five star luxury from which to explore the cultural landscape of Kandy and a range of fascinating places to visit. Earl’s Regency is in close proximity (approx 5km) to the Dalada Maligawa and many other tourist attractions.

The hotel has 100 luxury rooms named Premium, Junior Suites, Presidential Suites and Deluxe with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountainous countryside. The view from the rooms make guests feel as if they are a part of the picturesque natural and cultural landscape.

The Earl’s Regency is well-liked for the conference facilities with seating for over 850 people. The front office and the restaurants are located on one side and rooms on the other. They connect from the lengthy bridge. The hotel has two restaurants that can seat nearly 215 people.

One is called Far Pavilion restaurant and the other famous for fine dining is called Mirabelle. Mirabelle is situated in a natural surrounding with its food done by their executive chef Sanjeewa. In fact they recently introduced nitrogen liquid food to the hotel industry in Sri Lanka for the first time.

From the fourth floor of the Hotel facing the misty mountain range and the panoramic Mahaweli ganga, the view is magnificent, especially very early in the morning.

This hotel was inaugurated in 1999 and is managed by Aitken Spence. The history of the property is interesting. “This land was rock-strewn before the hotel was built. It was spotted by our proprietor Earl Gunasekara when he was going for a ceremony. He saw this land and got the idea to build a hotel on this place.

But many people discouraged him to buy this land as there was a lack of water to begin with. But he bought this land and built a hotel. Because of his dedication, today this hotel is famous all over the world. He could turn a rock into a gem!” said General Manager of Earl’s Regency, Thusith Samaraweera. (GP)