Temples of Old and New Katheresan
There are many Hindu temples in Colombo. The oldest of them, including the Old Kattiresan, is located on Sea street. Together with its neighbor-the New Kattiresan-it is dedicated to the god of war, Skanda. In particular, it is known for the fact that the ceremonial procession of the most important annual Hindu festival, Vel, begins and ends here. At this time, throughout the city streets, the god’s trident is carried from one Hindu temple to another. The structure of both temples strictly follows ancient canons and brings together many colorful and even whimsical motifs, as well as images and sculptures from the pantheon of Indian deities. The piling up of bright forms on the facades of the buildings is unfamiliar to the European eye and literally has a mesmerizing effect.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple
Colombo is rich in religious monuments. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple is one of the best known among them. This magnificent example of Sinhalese culture. The modern temple was built at the beginning of the last century, although references to it have been noted as early as the 3rd century BC. The interior is decorated with frescoes depicting stories from various Buddhas’ kalpas. Inside one of the stupas there is a chair on which the teacher sat, and near the temple grows the sacred Bodhi tree, in whose shade the Buddha meditated.
Jamul-Alfar Mosque
Jameul Alfar is the country’s main mosque. Its construction was completed in 1909. Perhaps this is one of the most remarkable architectural structures in Colombo. The red-and-white patterned mosque building looks not only interesting, but in its own way elegant and even fairy-tale like. The appearance of the building brings to mind a red-and-white chessboard: square and rectangular facing tiles in two colors create an unusual effect. Jameul Alfar was built in the best traditions of the South Indian style, but its exterior also hints at features typical of Hindu temples. It is an active place of worship.
Gangarama Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is the largest Buddhist temple on the island of Sri Lanka. The temple is the main religious attraction in the city of Colombo. It was built in the late 19th century, and its architecture is a wonderful blend of Thai, Indian, and traditional Chinese styles. The temple is truly beautiful- it stands on the shore of the picturesque Beira Lake, and its interiors are richly adorned with exquisite sculptures and colorful murals. The temple also has a museum where you can see many exotic exhibits: a chair made from elephant tusks, a large collection of precious Buddha figurines, antique tableware, and much more. And in the temple’s library you can find an enormous number of ancient books, manuscripts, and scrolls.
