Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha Temple Weligama


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Pelena Gangarama Maha temple which is also a famous and historical temple located at Polwatta suburb of Weligama town. The temple is located near the river banks of Polwatta. And it has less noisy and calm surroundings. This is one of oldest temples in Sri Lanka. There is a huge and ancient statue house 'Pilima Geya' in this temple itself. The land of the temple attaching with the road named 'Polwatta road'. Before you reach into temple please read Temples in Weligama article.


Architectural design of Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

The temple is located away from the Weligama town area. It is located about two kilometer from the Weligama town towards Polwatta river side. The surrounded with less residential area. The built up boundary wall, which is decorated by rhythmic pattern called 'Walakulubemma', is provided only for the front territory, where the land attaches with the road. Temple's backyard is facing to the Polwatta river banks.

The access way to the temple premises is provided by passing flat land. The main entrance is highlighted by providing a decorated pandol with a roof structure. This main entrance gates obviously express the concept of a demarcation of the religious place from the outer world. Temple has one entrance from of Polwatta road side.
Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

Stupa of Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

The bell shape 'Stupa' is located at the highest place of the land as a focal point of the surrounded environment. This monumental sculpture reflections prominence and majesties of the place. It placed on a sandy courtyard.
Stupa in Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

Bo-tree of Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

The Bo-tree create more shady, calm and tranquil environment as suitable to practice rituals individually. The white boundary wall, which creates to demarcate the Bo-tree premises, is well decorated by moldings.
Bo tree in Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

Image house of Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

And temple also has the Image house consists with an inner residential chamber for the Buddha images inter mediate space around it and outer verandah. The unbelievable height, dark, gloomy environment, well-decorated ornaments, mouldings, wall paintings could be identified at the inner chamber. The paintings in this temple depicts scenes of Buddha in this birth and of Jataka Stories.
Buddha statues in Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple
Paintings in Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple

How to get here?

Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple is located near by Polwatta road. Travelers can easily reach into Polwatta Sri Gangarama Rajamaha temple simply by walking from Weligama city center.



Articles about other Buddhist temples around Weligama area.

Bodhimalu Temple
Agrabodhi Rajamaha Temple
Rajakulawadana Rajamaha Temple
Gangarama Maha Temple
Sri Gangarama Rajamaha Temple
Polwathumodara Temple
Sri Sudarshanaramaya Temple


Places nearby: 

Polwatta bridge
Polwatta river safari
Paragliding in Weligama

Last Updated on: 2019/05/30

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