Home » Things to do and see » Temples in Weligama » Pelena Gangarama Maha Temple

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Last Updated on: 2019/05/30