Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo is a Vihara which is a world renowned name across the world. The Buddhist temple has come a long way from being a small hermitage and the credit should be accorded to the Ven. Dewundara Sri Jinaratana Nayaka Thero who transformed the little hermitage to the famous Gangaramaya as it stands today. The temple is in memory to his revered Guru teacher Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thero.

Features of Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo

  -   Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo is not only as a place of worship, it is also a centre of learning.
  -   It has main features of a Vihara or a temple, the Cetiya or pagoda, the Bodhi tree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Simamalaka and the Relic Chamber.
  -   In addition, a museum, a library, residential hall, a three-storied Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall are also there on the premises.
  -   Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple has a valuable collection of relics of the Buddha, elephant tusks and rare artifacts acquired locally and from abroad.
  -   All the succeeding officeholders of Gangaramya always had the will, the determination and the energy to serve the public in religious, cultural and national matters.
  -   For over a century from 1890, the temple has been making a valuable contribution to the traditions of Viharas and Pirivenas.
  -   It has also been instrumental in establishing the Buddhist temple in Staten Island in the U.S.A., the Buddhist Center in New York, Birmingham Buddhist Vihara in the U.K. and the Buddhist Centre in Tanzania.
  -   Thus, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple has always been devoted to the cause of propagating the Dhamma in foreign countries.
  -   The temple has played a leading role in the humanitarian relief efforts since the devastating tsunamis hit Sri Lanka rendering over a million homeless.
  -   Following the aftermath of this disaster, the Podi Hamuduruwo or the High Priest has decided to conduct the Nawam Perahera or the procession minus the pomp and grandeur usually associated with this event.
  -   The Nawam Perahera in the year 2005 was a simple flower procession to upholding the tradition of the Nawam Procession.
  -   The Nawam Perahera is an annual event which has been held uninterrupted since 1979.
  -   The funds, collected for the pageant, were used to provide shelter and assistance to the people displaced by the disaster.