Ayubowan!

Visit the old paintings that were created during the Kandyan period when the temple was rebuilt. They adorned the walls and ceilings of the old wing’s two chambers. We could clearly see South Indian influence on Sinhala art in these old paintings. In terms of social life and dress, there are also traces of Western influence.

The Viharage, or image house, now consists of two shrine rooms, old and new, housed in one building with two roofs. From a distance, the temple appears to be very impressive. As we get closer, we are struck by the incredible artistic ability of those who built it.

The Viharage measures 150 feet long and 90 feet wide. It is supported by a three-foot-tall stone plinth. An octagonal roof thatched in the Kandyan style of roofing covers the new shrine room.

There are three ornamental freezes that run around the outside walls from one end to the other. The first freeze is a row of elephants with mahouts and carved trappings at the bottom. The second freeze is a line of happy little dwarfs demonstrating their antics. The third freeze is a line of geese known as the sacred geese.

The Vimanas, or god’s mansions, are located above these freezes and on each side of the outer walls. There are nine of these alcoves or recesses. The Vimanas are a new addition to Kelaniya. Polonnaruwa is the only other location where we can find them in Sri Lanka.