The Gangaramaya Temple was completed in the 19th century on the Beira Lake and is considered one of Colombo’s most important temples.
History
The temple has a history of over 120 years and was established in 1885 during the Buddhist revival during colonial rule. The swamplands beside the Beira Lake was transformed in order to accommodate the temple and devotees would need to cross the lake by boat in order to reach the smaller temple.
Annual Perahera
One of the most important Colombo attractions pertaining to the temple would be the annual perahera which has been consistently celebrated since 1979. It is a colourful and vibrant pageant.
Buddha Rashmi National Vesak Festival
The only event that shadows the perahera is the national Vesak festival which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha during which the temple hosts a massive lantern festival that is witnessed by thousands who travel to Colombo from all over the country. Learn more about this through sites like Truly Sri Lanka.
Social Services
The temple is known for taking a massive initiative in social services to support the needy and the sick as well as the general social wellbeing of the local residents.
Museum
There is also a great collection at the museum of artefacts of religious and historic value curated by Venerable Galaboda Gnanissara Nayaka Thera.
