Nalanda Gedige

What is this site?

An all-stone ashlar image house constructed in pure South Indian Pallava and Dravidian architecture, located at the precise geographic center of Sri Lanka.

Why it matters

The only ancient building in Sri Lanka that combines Tantric Mahayana Buddhist iconographies with classical Dravidian erotic stone friezes.

Description

Dating to between the 8th and 10th centuries CE; the entire stone monument was systematically dismantled and relocated to a raised terrace in 1980 due to the Bowatenna reservoir project. Associated patrons (as supplied): Unknown Mahayana / Pallava Guild. Key features to look for: Stone Dravidian sikhara dome and facade reliefs; Carved Tantric erotic reliefs on the plinth molding; Dressed ashlar stone sanctum interior; Reservoir promontory landscaped setting.

Photos

Historical and scholarly sources

1. Reference as supplied in project dataset (pending verification): DOA Protected Monument Register

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.

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