Hello my fellow Architecture+Design lovers,
Greetings from Sri Lanka. What's up guys? I hope you are enjoying with fanily this weekend. You may remember that two weeks ago, I presented content about my visits to Kataragama. Accordingly, through this content, I hope to present information about the unique places that I saw in Ruhunu Kataragama Temple, another important place in Kataragama. Ruhunu Kataragama Temple can be called as a place where several deities, who are strongly believed by Hindus, took refuge. It can also be mentioned as the home ground of Lord Sri Skanda Kumara in particular. Not only Hindus but also Buddhist devotees regard this place as a place of divinity. Ruhunu from different parts of Sri Lanka come to Kataragama temple as many devotees accept that by offering fruits at Kataragama Sri Skanda Temple, their goals will be fulfilled.
Being a place associated with Hinduism, Hindu architectural elements are mostly seen here. There are two gates to enter Ruhunu Maha Kataragama temple. One of them is found when coming from Kataragama town and the other is a gate when coming from Kataragama Kiriwehere. As special permission is required to enter the Kataragama Kiriwehera grounds, many devotees enter after parking their vehicles in Kataragama town. As the vehicle of Lord Kataragama Sri Skanda Kumara is a peacock, several peacock figures have been carved here at the entrance. The weapon of Lord Kataragama is placed above the peacock figure at the top of the entrance gates. Apart from this, two elephant figures can also be seen at this entrance.
Within the Ruhunu Kataragama temple grounds, there are separate temples to offer offerings to deities such as Patthini, Dedimunda, Sri Sumana Saman, Sri Siddha Suniyam Gambara. Located in a small old building supported by wooden pillars, these temples are decorated with the colors of various deities.
Another old building was seen on the other side. There were several lotus flower shapes to be seen. It shows the purity of Buddhism. Accordingly, not only Hindu architectural features can be seen in Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple. Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple can be mentioned as a place where Buddhist and Hindu architectural symbols are depicted.
Sri Skanda Kumara Temple can be mentioned as a place where many devotees worship with great faith. Most devotees offer fruits to this temple. Dry leaves are used for the roof of the front place, which is arranged using 4 black concrete stone pillars. It shows the devotion towards Lord Sri Skanda Kumara.
Ruhunu Maha Kataragama has a tall light tower to provide light at night. The bell tower at the same place is built in the traditional Buddhist style and is not currently in use.
The Kataragama ancient milk temple was located in the shape of a roof that is seen in a traditional temple. The wooden doors also have the architectural shapes found in some temples. The temple was not open to know for what purpose this milk temple was maintained.
An open building can be seen in the same shape as the roof of the Kiri Vihara above. This time lotus flower logos can be seen on its pillars. There is also a long building here for conducting religious activities of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple. I could see that it had the architectural shape of an ordinary building.
Another entrance gate painted in gold had some Hindu architectural symbols. It is also special that it contains several symbols used in Buddhism. At the bottom near the entrance was seen an imaginary animal called the Gurula.
This is the main entrance to Ruhunu Maha Kataragama temple. Here also the image of peacock which is the main vehicle of Lord Sri Skanda can be seen here. Also two elephant figures are shown here. Three entry gates have been completed here. It is semi-circular in shape.
Two dragon figures can be clearly observed on either side of the gate. On both sides of the wall, elephant figures can be seen at the bottom and peacock figures at the top. It is different from other Buddhist temples in terms of architectural logo.
On the gate made of steel, the weapon used by Lord Sri Skanda and the shape of a peacock can be seen. It is very creatively designed. Such amazing and creative decorations done by the carvers really reflect our elegance and culture.
In Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple, shrines have also been built for Buddhists to worship. On both sides of the above Buddha Mandir, there are images of two Gods for protection. There is also a Buddha statue inside and separate places for worship. A replica of a stupa is placed above the concrete slab section which has an attractive shape. A gold plated fence has been set up around the Buddha Mandir.
A temple has been built in Ruhunu Maha Kataragama to commemorate and worship Lord Ganapati, who ruled the face of the people. There is an elephant-shaped idol of Lord Ganapathi.
The external shape of the Kataragama Museum, which was made by incorporating unique architectural elements, came under my observation next. I have a special fascination with the shapes of its windows and doors. Due to lack of time, I was not able to reach inside the Kataragama Museum.
Outside Ruhunu Maha Kataragama temple grounds, another temple for Lord Sri Skanda Kumara was seen. There is a special attraction about the designs seen here. Especially the weapon used by Skandha and the image of peacock are the main symbols included here.
Another temple dedicated to Sri Maha Bhadrakali, who is there to punish the wrongdoers, can be seen in this area. Unique architectural carvings can be seen there. It is unique that many elements of Hindu architecture have been added to this temple. As Buddhists, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to recognize different architectural symbols.
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Amazing, another remarkable temple @madushanka! This time it's inspired by Hindu architecture. And it looks like their sacred designs have some relatable features to Buddhism. Interesting! 👍😊
Two questions for you:
In your previous post, I asked you about the common symbols for Buddhist architecture. And what about the most typical decorative symbols for Hinduism?
I'm curious. Is it possible to explain more about this "weapon" mentioned in your statement below?
Firstly I want to say very sorry for the late response. It can be clearly imagined that Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple is a place where Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements are mixed.
In answer to your first question, Hindu architectural elements include peacock images, amazing iron weapons used by Hindu Gods, dry green leaves used for roofs, black painted wall carvings, etc.
It is said to have been used by Lord Sri Skanda, with a pointed shape similar to the Hindu weapon known as trident. It is long enough to be held in the hand and thrown like a spear or even stabbed at an enemy.
That's okay @madushanka, no pressure at all. Right, there are certain similarities in Buddhist and Hindu symbolisms which make it even more interesting.
My favorite Hindu symbol would be the peacock as this gorgeous creature is also associated with paradise or heaven in other major beliefs. Its colors are absolutely mind-blowing! Nature has always been a great inspiration for meanings.
Oh, wonderful! The "trident" is a familiar weapon as this special spear has also been depicted in mythological stories such as the one used by the gods Poseidon (Greek) or Neptune (Roman). Discovering its connection with other global cultures has definitely sparked my curiosity and interest. Thank you for these incredible nuggets of knowledge! 😊
Congratulations @madushanka! We are delighted to inform you that your outstanding publication was specially selected to be part of our Curated Content Catalog and was awarded RUNNER-UP in Architecture Anthology™ 30. More power!
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Sure, with utmost pleasure dear @madushanka. Cheers! 😀
Wow! so many temples to worship in one place, Sri Lanka has a great cultural and architectural richness, I loved the peacock figures, these colorful birds look so beautiful and add a great style to the temple design.
The peacock on the door, the colorful columns and all the decorative and architectural details make it a charming and welcoming place.
Greetings @madushanka!
Greetings @belkyscabrera, Yeah Sri Lanka is richest state for cultural, historical architecture. So many ancient value brings from various artifacts. Peacock figures really beautiful with color combination and style.
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Whoa, when can I immediately feel the ambiance like in your city, so exciting!
You can feel it through these images. Maybe later you can feel live. Thanks.
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This temple looks so simple and great, amazing that people worship here, its a nice environment too
Many devotees come everyday for worship here because they are trusting the hinduism gods.
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Wow many believes all over the world, as long as they have faith in the God, things they pray to will diffinantely work out
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