Located near Matale in Sri Lanka, Nalanda Gedige is an ancient temple dating back to the 8th–10th centuries. Built in the Pallava-inspired Dravidian style, it uniquely combines Buddhist and Hindu elements. A 9th-century pillar inscription in Sinhala identifies it as a Buddhist monastery, associated with Vajrayana Buddhism and Tantric practices.
Architectural Highlights
Nalanda Gedige is designed like a Hindu temple, with a mandapa (hall), entrance passage, and a central chamber surrounded by a walkway. The temple facade, restored in 1975, showcases South Indian influences, including a relief of the God Kubera on the southern tympanum—a rare feature in Sri Lanka. Despite its Hindu temple structure, the lack of Hindu deities emphasizes its Buddhist purpose, reflected in faded yet powerful Tantric carvings.
Historical Significance and Restoration Efforts
Nalanda Gedige was first recognized as an archaeological site in 1893. Although restoration was suggested by Archaeological Commissioner H.C.P. Bell in 1911, significant work began only in the 1980s. To protect the structure from the Bowatenne Tank project, it was carefully dismantled, moved, and reconstructed on the tank’s bund, where it remains today.
Significance and Architectural Fusion
Often regarded as a “hybrid” temple, Nalanda Gedige features a unique blend of Hindu and Sinhalese design. The vestibule and central structure reflect Hindu architecture, while the moonstone, balustrades, and dwarf motifs represent Sinhalese craftsmanship. Set against lush hills and peaceful water, Nalanda Gedige is a rare architectural gem in Sri Lanka, embodying both cultural fusion and classical beauty.
