A place not to be missed both for its uniqueness and for the mystery it holds

                                 -  Nalanda Gedige, Mathale -



                                                                                                                                        Source: Internet

Nalanda Gedige is identified as an ancient mysterious stone temple. As the Sri Lankan Kings married Indian princesses it is believed that this temple was built for both.  It can be observed that distinguished decoration is carved into the stone walls. It is the only such temple in Sri Lanka.

This is the actual geographical center of Sri Lanka. It is located 95 km from the west coast and 105 from the east coast, as the crow flies. Nalanda Gedige is situated 1 km to the east center of A9 route (Kandy-Jaffna main road) close to Mathale City.


                  



Yes it is a different experience to visit the age-old places

The Nalanda Gedige is peculiar due to its unbelievably scant history.  It is said that this place is a thousand years old. It has a hybrid style of architecture of Hindu elements and tantric Buddhist carvings. 

The composite style exhibited in this place is unique. This is the sole example yet to be discovered of the composite of architecture judiciously blended to foam a delightful homogeneous edifice.  You definitely found more curiosity after visiting it. Fortunately, there is a museum at this entrance gate. So it is advisable to go to the museum before you enter the Nalanda Gedige and return back to the museum after you visit the site. 

Gedige in Sinhala means a bell house. The mysterious fact is that who created such a building in the very center of Sri Lanka and how?


An absolute festinating site

This is a very quiet and peaceful place. This stone temple that survived sculptures depicting erotic scenes is also recognized as the best preserved ancient stone temple. 

The Gedige site was dismantled when the Bowathenna Reservoir was being built in 1981. So, the Gedige re-erected by using its materials and moved about 80 feet away.

Definitely, it is the most outstanding rescue operation on an archeological site carried out in Sri Lanka.









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