Lankatilaka Viharaya

Verification: in review · Coordinates: unverified

What is this site?

A four-story brick-and-stone Gedige constructed atop Panhalgala rock, integrating Buddhist sanctums with five directional Hindu devales under a single roof structure.

Why it matters

Outstanding structural exemplar of the syncretic Gampola era, featuring the longest medieval Tamil rock inscription and Gajasinha balustrades.

Description

Commissioned in 1344 CE by Chief Minister Senalankadhikara and engineered by Sathapati Rayar; later restored under Kandyan royal patronage. Associated patrons (as supplied): King Bhuvanekabahu IV, Senalankadhikara, Sathapati Rayar. Key features to look for: Composite Gajasinha (elephant-lion) stone balustrades; Stepped external masonry wall profiles and brick corbels; 14th-century floral and geometric ceiling murals; Bilingual rock edicts carved into living bedrock.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): Gazetted 16 December 1949

Visiting responsibly

Dress modestly at religious sites, remove shoes and hats where requested, never climb on monuments or pose with your back to Buddha images, and follow guidance from custodians and the Department of Archaeology.