Sri Lanka's Essential Buddhist Temples
With a deeply devout population across its territory, ancient Ceylon is home to numerous religious edifices – including the splendid Golden Temple of Dambulla and the Temple of the Tooth…
With a deeply devout population across its territory, ancient Ceylon is home to numerous religious edifices – including the splendid Golden Temple of Dambulla and Temple of the Tooth… From north to south of the country, discover the most beautiful places of worship and Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka!
1. Isurumuniya: The Sri Lankan Temple Where You Can Admire the Sculpture of the Lovers
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple in Anuradhapura, situated east of Tissa Wewa (the famous artificial reservoir built in the 3rd century BC by King Devanampiya Tissa). At that time, the building served as a residence and housed hundreds of young monks. The site is renowned for the numerous sculptures adorning the edifice. The most famous is that of the "lovers of Isurumuniya"…
This work, dating from the 6th century, is conceived in the Gupta style. It depicts a woman seated on the lap of a man: it could be the son of King Dutugamunu and Saliya (a young woman of a lower caste, for whom he renounced the throne) or King Kubera and his wife… The mystery remains!
2. The Golden Temple of Dambulla: One of Sri Lanka's Most Beautiful Buddhist Temples
In the Matale district, north of Kandy, you will find the cave temple of Rangiri Dambulla, more commonly called the "Golden Temple of Dambulla." Renowned for the gigantic golden Buddha sitting on its roof, this architectural treasure consists of five sanctuaries, some twenty caves, and several monasteries.
The complex, which features statues of Hindu deities, rock carvings, and murals, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. Built on Dambulla rock, the temple also offers a panoramic view of the surrounding wooded landscapes and lakes!
3. Sri Dalada Maligawa: The Temple of Buddha's Tooth in Sri Lanka
Sri Dalada Maligawa is known throughout the world. Indeed, it is the temple of Buddha's tooth! This relic (which was once kept in the Isurumuniya temple) was historically far more than a fetish—it was a highly coveted object, as it granted the reins of power to whoever possessed it. As such, the tooth played an important role in the reign of different monarchies and in the country's history.
Enshrined in a massive gold sculpture, the tooth is now preserved and displayed in a sanctuary within the complex. It is venerated daily by thousands of visitors.
The temple comprises three main buildings: Aluth Maligawa, Vedahitina Maligava, and Paththirippuwa. The latter is a superb octagonal pavilion, designed this way for King Rajasingha… By symbolizing the 8 cardinal directions in the monument's architecture, the monarch felt himself at the center of the world!
4. Buduruwagala: An Ancient Buddhist Temple of Sri Lanka in the Heart of Nature
In southern Sri Lanka, discover the ancient Buddhist temple of Buduruwagala. There, you will find a majestic Buddha, 20 meters tall, carved directly from the rock! Around it, you can admire six other rock-carved works, including bas-reliefs, which are believed to have been created during the Anuradhapura kingdom period, between the late 9th and early 10th centuries.
To reach the site, you must walk for about ten minutes through lush nature. During your walk, you will have the chance to encounter parakeets and be enchanted by the serenity that reigns over the place.
Note that even though Buduruwagala is an open-air temple – and consists only of vestiges – it nevertheless remains an active place of worship. You should therefore remain discreet and respect the rules that apply when visiting a religious site…
5. Sudharmalaya: The Temple of Galle Fort Listed by UNESCO
Located within Galle Fort (a fortified city built in the 17th century by Dutch colonists), the Buddhist temple of Sudharmalaya is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This stunning white stupa, positioned facing the sea, is today inhabited by monks, but can be visited. Influenced by the historical past of this part of Sri Lanka, the temple features atypical architecture with European influences.
Good to Know: How to Dress When Visiting Places of Worship in Sri Lanka? Places of worship are deeply respected in Sri Lanka. During visits, you must always cover your legs and shoulders. In cases of extreme heat, it is acceptable to use a scarf. Also note that leggings, which hug the body, are forbidden. To facilitate your visits, bring a pair of shoes that are easy to remove, as these are not tolerated inside temples. You will need to remove them regularly. |
Frequently asked questions
The 5 essential Buddhist temples of Sri Lanka are: Isurumuniya in Anuradhapura, the Golden Temple of Dambulla (UNESCO-listed), Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, Buduruwagala in the south of the country, and the Sudharmalaya temple in Galle Fort.
To visit a temple in Sri Lanka, it is mandatory to cover your shoulders and legs. Form-fitting leggings are forbidden. In cases of extreme heat, a light scarf is acceptable. Bring shoes that are easy to remove, as they are not allowed inside temples.
Yes, the Golden Temple of Dambulla (Rangiri Dambulla) has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. It consists of five sanctuaries, some twenty caves, and several monasteries adorned with murals and rock carvings.
Sri Dalada Maligawa is the Kandy temple that houses Buddha's sacred tooth. This relic, enshrined in a massive gold sculpture, is venerated daily by thousands of devotees. Historically, possession of this tooth conferred legitimate power over the kingdom.
The Buduruwagala temple is located in southern Sri Lanka. To reach the rock carvings, including a massive 20-meter Buddha carved into the rock, you must walk for about ten minutes through lush nature. The site is an active place of worship, so you should approach it with respect and discretion.
