Nalanda Gedige is an ancient Buddhist cum Hindu temple completely made of stone situated near Matale. The building is believed to have been built between 8th and 10th centuries using Dravidian architecture and is believed to have been first worshipped by Buddhists. According to some scholars, the temple was dedicated to Mahayana faith which was best noted for its tantric lessons and learnings. The beauty of Nalanda Gedige is vested on its stunning blend of art and religion. and allows one to understand the rich and deep meaning behind the masterpiece.
The fact that architecture and worship have both Buddhist and Hindu elements make the temple much more appealing. The initial location of the temple was regarded as the center of the island of Sri Lanka and some claim the place is of lower gravity. Travelers who are really into ancient building structures, Nalanda Gedige is a worth-visiting spot on Kandy - Dambulla road.
In a small open ground encircled by trees, lies this all stone ancient temple looking like in ruins with a serene atmosphere. Constructed according to Dravidian style, this Buddha temple, a very interesting ancient mystery, has its structure modeled on the architecture styles of Hindu temples yet with intriguing Tantric Buddhist carvings. Plenty of Hindu and Buddhist designs can be spotted on the walls of the temple.
Near the entrance, there is a small museum explaining a bit of history while outside on the left, there is a stupa. Inside the temple, there is a shrine with a magnificent Buddha statue. There is a nice lake adjoining this quite temple complex at the back. Resembling Hindu Temples, there are a mandapa, an entrance hall, an ambulatory round the holy center, and a short passage to the bare cello. Plus there are several statuettes of Hindu deities inside the structure with the image of god Kubera on the south.
Although not sure about the exact date, it is assumed that Nalanda Gedige was constructed sometime between the 8 to 11th centuries, a time when the South Indian invaders got busy placing themselves on the island after the fall of the Sinhalese monarchy. Nalanda Gedige was regarded as an archaeological site in 1893. It was found on a mound amidst the paddy fields engirdled by small hamlets and small slops. From 1911 onwards excavation progressed at a fast pace. The temple was spotted about 40 feet deep when it was going to be drowned by the Bowatenna Reservoir. And it has been reorganized in the same place later in the 1980s without losing any charm.
Nalanda Gedige is located in Matale district, close to Dambulla. It is just 1 Kilometer away from the A9 Kandy - Dambulla road. From the car park, a beautiful line flanked by the reservoir shall lead to the temple. Entry to the temple is free of cost for everyone. Sometime there would be someone to brief you on the history of the temple in hopes of getting some tips. The traffic is easy and the temple is convenient to reach. Never miss out on this architectural wonder that would only take you less than thirty minutes. Plus it would be moments of relaxation halfway through your journey between Kandy and Dambulla.
