Hi my fellow architecture lovers,
Greetings from Sri Lanka. I believe you are enjoying this weekend very nicely. Today's very special day for Sri Lankans becuase it's 75th independance day. So today I'm going to share with you gorgeous architectural designs and murals with you in this awesome community. A few days ago, I mentioned that I went to Aluthgama Kande Vihara through a travel content I presented. There I promised to present to you the architectural features of the Kande Viharaya. If you are coming from Galle, you can pass Aluthgama town and go south near the Kaluwamodara Bridge and reach Kande Vihara. Also, coming from Colombo, after Kalutara and Beruwala towns, I should walk one kilometer to the left near the Kaluamodara bridge. If you want to some guidance please read Post.
There are various designs carved on the top and bottom of the pillars of the entrance to the temple from one side. At the top is a circle similar in shape to the Buddhist chakra. Elephants, horses and women are carved below it. Gurus, capitalists, Brahmins and workers, the sun, the bo tree and the moon are next inscribed. Then a flower shape is created. Feng shui designs of Chinese tradition are raised at the entrance of this temple because Chinese Buddhism is also close to us. In fact, old Sri Lankan architectural styles were incorporated here.
A traditional Buddhist architectural feature is the two gold-plated deities carved on both sides of the open entrance. It is a common feature of every temple. Feng shui sculptures are engraved on the stone steps to enter the temple. The amazing creations and shapes of the architects of the past are unbelievable.
Created by incorporating various designs on a stone surface, Sandakada Pahana exhibits distinctive features of Sri Lankan architecture. Five types of designs have been created for the Sandakadapahana for the Aluthgama Kande Vihara. The shape of the lotus flower is highlighted here.
In the center of the towering pillars are carved floral motifs, motifs of women, swans and elephants.
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Carvings of a dragon and an elephant similar to the head of a crocodile can be seen on the wall created in a strange shape. It is difficult to understand what the designs in some of the engravings show.
Unique architectural features can be seen in the Aluthgama Kanda temple grounds. Because it was built during the Dutch colonial period, this can be called a unique temple that combines Sri Lankan architecture and Dutch architecture.
Another entrance gate with gold plated carvings can be seen in the temple grounds. Above are two golden stupas on both sides. Below that is a traditional wood carving. Next are the carvings of a devil and two dragons, and below is a deity created in the same way Sri Lankans make a hand signal to say "welcome" to visitors. Flower vines and swans can also be seen among them.
Two very important past events for Sri Lanka are shown on both sides inside the entrance. Princess Hemmala and Danta Kumaru are the first to show how Buddha's tooth relic came to Sri Lanka. It is said in Sri Lankan history that the tooth relic was hidden in Princess Hemmala's hair to provide more protection.
A group of Rahats led by Mihidu Rahat came from India to introduce Buddhism to Sri Lanka along with a Southern Bodhi branch. The second photo shows how the boat landed in Sri Lanka from the sea. Both the above events are two very important events for Sri Lankan Buddhism.
When King Devanampiyatissa was hunting a deer with a bow and arrows, a group of followers came down from the top of the Mihintale rock with Mihidu Rahat and preached the Dharma and introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
The entrance to the Bodhi tree for worshiping in Aluthgama Kande Vihara had the Sadakada pahana and other similar carvings. Deity sculptures in the shapes of elephants and swans were also created near the revered Bodhi tree.
In some famous and ancient temples, you can see booths with a plastic opening from outside where a brass lamp is kept and a steel pipe is used to pour coconut oil into it to keep the lamps lit continuously. In the Kande Vihara, an attractive shaped chamber has been made and covered with glass to protect the flame from the wind. Around the roofs, flower-shaped designs are created in gold.
I said earlier that Dutch architecture can be seen here because this temple was built when Sri Lanka was surrendered to the Dutch. So now you can understand it well. The doors of the building, which were white in color, are similar in shape to the doors of Catholic churches. The towers and light bulbs built in between are similar to Catholic architecture.
Images of horses and lions were created on the wall, similar to the human figure. It is an engraving very similar to the Dutch emblem. The Aech shaped doors really appealed to me. I don't know why the lion's face was created to look like a human face.
Aech shaped doors and windows on the first floor are attractively finished. A distinct architectural feature is the glass covering above the door in the shape of three circles. The Dutch logo is displayed at the top. In my recent explorations I have come across several temples displaying Sinhala and Dutch architectural elements.
Built in the year 2402 of the Buddha, Sri Sugatha Dhatu Mandir has a Dutch emblem above the entrance. But the pot full of palm flowers is a carved shape associated with Buddhism. The entrance here is made of black stones. Its shape is carved out of black stone and is a unique architectural feature.
A unique feature inside the temple was the statue of a smiling lion. Usually in other temples I have seen bold lion sculptures, this is a completely different feature. Inside the temple, one could see the faces of the gods living in the divine world.
Above the entrance of the temple building where the statue of Buddha is located, a painting of Dalada Palace in Kandy has been drawn by past artists. It depicts paintings of the dragon and god in the divine world above.
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It is a very attractive place inside the temple where many statues of Buddha were created. Since it was dark inside, light was provided by bulbs. The orange color was given to the robes of the Buddha statues. The ceiling also has traditional Buddha motifs. Especially the design of the main electric lamps hanging from the ceiling was more attractive.
Following a beautiful architectural technique, the above building has been constructed with two roofs. The gold color and white match the wall perfectly. The design of swans has been used all around. Varnished mixed wood is used to cover the middle space which gives a really attractive look.
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A historical architectural technique was also used to build Saranatissa Dharma Hall. Its front shape and roof shape is a traditional shape. The two iron gates display the Dharma circle.
Next, I reached the grounds of the Aluthgama Kande Vihara, which was full of traditional architectural features and included the chambers built for the deity. Several stalls were reserved for the various deities worshiped by Hindus as well as Buddhists. But I concluded that Lord Vishnu is worshiped the most by offering fruit dishes.
One of the entrances to the Aluthgama Kande Vihara and the entrance to the bodhi, the same shapes of the lamp can be seen before entering this temple.
This is not the comical lion statue found in the Buddha Mandir, but the two lion statues in the Deva Mandir grounds have given a terrifying appearance. The two lions are ready for a huge battle and these two statues are made in the mine.
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Although it is a temple, one can see statues, paintings, architectural elements related to Buddhism and a part covered with glass to light clay lamps.
While observing the architectural features of the Aluthgama kande temple, my attention was finally drawn to another small building that was temporarily closed. There were several wood carvings carved into the entrance which was to be entered through the mouth of a demon.
Young people and children are more interested in seeing Ambakke wood carvings created during the past kings of Sri Lanka. Several fanciful animals of similar shapes were attractively carved on the door, while the shape and carvings of the window also show the tradition of woodcarving at Ambakke.
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Wow, what a beautiful temple you have visited and shared with us! The intricate designs and carvings are truly impressive and it is fascinating to see how different cultural influences, such as Chinese Feng shui and Dutch architecture, have been incorporated into the temple's design. The depiction of important events in Sri Lankan Buddhist history is also very interesting. Thank you for sharing your visit and these amazing pictures with us.
Mixed architectural elements add cultural value to any shrine or building. It surely gives a wonderful reflection about our history. Paintings containing many historical and life examples of Buddha's history were seen in different city eras with only minor differences in style. Thanks very much for nice feedback friend.
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