Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's central highlands, Kandy beckons visitors with its rich tapestry of ancient temples and architectural marvels. These sacred structures stand as silent witnesses to centuries of spiritual devotion, artistic brilliance, and cultural evolution. From the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to the lesser-known gems like Embekke Devale, Kandy's temples offer a captivating journey through time, showcasing the pinnacle of Sinhalese craftsmanship and religious fervour.
Historical evolution of kandy's temple architecture
The architectural landscape of Kandy's temples reflects a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Over the centuries, these sacred structures have evolved, incorporating influences from various dynasties and cultural interactions. The early temples of Kandy were primarily constructed of wood, a material abundant in the region's lush forests. However, as the kingdom grew in power and prestige, stone began to play a more prominent role in temple construction.
One of the most significant shifts in Kandy's temple architecture occurred during the Gampola period (14th-15th centuries). This era saw the introduction of South Indian Dravidian elements, particularly evident in the ornate carvings and towering gopurams (entrance towers) that began to adorn temple facades. The fusion of these foreign influences with indigenous Sinhalese styles gave birth to a unique architectural language that would come to define Kandyan temples.
The 16th and 17th centuries marked the golden age of Kandyan temple architecture. During this period, the iconic devale complexes emerged, dedicated to various deities and showcasing intricate woodcarvings, vibrant frescoes, and elaborate stone sculptures. These temples not only served as places of worship but also as centres of learning and cultural preservation, playing a crucial role in safeguarding Sri Lankan traditions during times of external threats.
Temple of the sacred tooth relic: architectural marvel
At the heart of Kandy's religious landscape stands the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the crown jewel of Sri Lankan Buddhism. This magnificent complex, known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, houses one of Buddhism's most revered relics – a tooth of the Buddha himself. The temple's architecture is a testament to the artistic and engineering prowess of Kandyan craftsmen, blending elements of traditional Sinhalese design with influences from South Indian temple architecture.
Octagonal pavilion (pattirippuwa) design and significance
One of the most striking features of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the Octagonal Pavilion, or Pattirippuwa. This unique structure, added to the temple complex in the early 19th century, serves as a symbolic bridge between the sacred and secular realms. The pavilion's eight sides are believed to represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, emphasising the temple's role as a spiritual beacon.
The Pattirippuwa's design showcases the refined carpentry skills of Kandyan artisans. Its slender wooden pillars support an intricately carved roof, creating an airy, open space that contrasts with the more enclosed inner sanctums of the temple. Originally used as a royal viewing gallery, the pavilion now houses a collection of sacred texts and artefacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich literary and artistic heritage of Kandyan Buddhism.
Golden canopy and tooth relic chamber intricacies
The heart of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the chamber housing the sacred tooth itself. This inner sanctum is a masterpiece of Kandyan craftsmanship, adorned with intricate gold work and precious gemstones. The relic is enshrined within a series of nested caskets, each more ornate than the last, culminating in a golden casket shaped like a stupa (Buddhist reliquary mound).
Suspended above the relic chamber is a magnificent golden canopy, known as the Ran Viyana. This architectural element serves both decorative and symbolic purposes. Its gleaming surface, studded with precious stones, reflects the light in a mesmerising display, creating an atmosphere of otherworldly splendour. The canopy also symbolises the parasol, a traditional emblem of royalty and divine protection in Buddhist iconography.
Handun kunama: ancient bathing pavilion restoration
Adjacent to the main temple complex lies the Handun Kunama, or ancient bathing pavilion. This structure, dating back to the 18th century, offers a fascinating glimpse into the rituals and daily life of Kandyan royalty. The pavilion's restoration in recent years has been a triumph of conservation, employing traditional techniques and materials to breathe new life into this historical gem.
The Handun Kunama's architecture is characterised by its open design, allowing for natural ventilation and light. Intricately carved wooden pillars support a gently sloping roof, creating a serene space that once echoed with the sounds of royal ceremonies. Today, visitors can admire the pavilion's restored frescoes, which depict scenes from Buddhist scripture and Kandyan court life, offering a vivid window into the past.
Alut maligawa: new palace wing's artistic embellishments
The Alut Maligawa, or New Palace Wing, represents a more recent addition to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex. Constructed in the late 20th century, this wing seamlessly blends modern architectural techniques with traditional Kandyan aesthetics. The result is a space that honours the temple's ancient heritage while accommodating the needs of contemporary worshippers and visitors.
The artistic embellishments of the Alut Maligawa are particularly noteworthy. Its walls are adorned with vibrant murals depicting key events from Sri Lankan Buddhist history, executed in a style that pays homage to classical Kandyan painting techniques. The use of natural pigments and traditional fresco methods ensures that these modern artworks harmonise with the temple's older sections, creating a sense of timeless continuity.
Lankatilaka vihara: fusion of sinhalese and dravidian styles
Perched atop a rocky outcrop just outside Kandy, the Lankatilaka Vihara stands as a magnificent example of 14th-century Sri Lankan temple architecture. This ancient monastery, commissioned by King Bhuvanekabahu IV, showcases a unique fusion of Sinhalese and Dravidian architectural styles, reflecting the cultural cross-pollination of the era.
Polychrome statuary and makara thorana gateways
One of the most striking features of Lankatilaka Vihara is its collection of polychrome statuary. These vibrant sculptures, depicting various Buddhist deities and mythological figures, adorn the temple's exterior and interior spaces. The use of bright colours, including reds, blues, and golds, was a hallmark of medieval Sinhalese art, intended to bring the divine realm to life for worshippers.
The temple's entrance is marked by an elaborate Makara Thorana, or Dragon Arch. This architectural element, common in both Buddhist and Hindu temples of the region, features intricate carvings of mythical beasts and celestial beings. The Makara Thorana at Lankatilaka is particularly noteworthy for its scale and complexity, serving as a symbolic threshold between the mundane world and the sacred space within.
Gal potha stone inscriptions: historical documentation
Adjacent to the main shrine of Lankatilaka Vihara lies the Gal Potha, or stone book. This massive granite slab, measuring over 8 metres in length, is covered in meticulously carved inscriptions detailing the temple's history, royal donations, and land grants. The Gal Potha serves as an invaluable historical document, offering insights into the political and social structures of 14th-century Sri Lanka.
The inscriptions on the Gal Potha are written in both Sinhala and Tamil, reflecting the multilingual nature of medieval Sri Lankan society. Scholars have noted that the text provides crucial information about agricultural practices, taxation systems, and religious rituals of the time. The preservation of this stone inscription is a testament to the durability of ancient Sri Lankan craftsmanship and the importance placed on recording history for posterity.
Gadaladeniya temple's influence on lankatilaka design
The architectural design of Lankatilaka Vihara bears a striking resemblance to its contemporary, the nearby Gadaladeniya Temple. Both structures were built during the same period and share several key features, including their elevated positions, the use of stone in construction, and the incorporation of South Indian design elements.
The influence of Gadaladeniya on Lankatilaka is particularly evident in the latter's mandapa (pillared hall) and the arrangement of its shrine rooms. This architectural kinship suggests a common school of design and craftsmanship operating in the Kandy region during the 14th century. The similarities between these two temples offer valuable insights into the networks of artisans and the transmission of architectural ideas in medieval Sri Lanka.
Embekke devale: woodcarving mastery in religious architecture
Nestled in the lush countryside outside Kandy, Embekke Devale stands as a testament to the extraordinary woodcarving skills of medieval Sinhalese artisans. This 14th-century shrine, dedicated to the god Kataragama, is renowned for its intricate wooden carvings that adorn every surface, from pillars to beams and doorways.
Drummers' hall: 128 unique carved pillars analysis
The centrepiece of Embekke Devale is undoubtedly the Drummers' Hall, or Hewisi Mandapaya . This remarkable structure features 128 wooden pillars, each adorned with unique and intricate carvings. The sheer variety of designs is staggering, ranging from mythological creatures and floral motifs to scenes from daily life and complex geometric patterns.
A closer analysis of these carved pillars reveals the exceptional skill and creativity of the Kandyan woodcarvers. Some pillars feature intertwining designs that seamlessly blend different motifs, while others showcase remarkable three-dimensional effects achieved through deep relief carving. The level of detail is such that no two pillars are exactly alike, making the Drummers' Hall a veritable encyclopedia of medieval Sinhalese woodcarving techniques.
Vahalkada entrance pavilion: symbolic ornamentation
The Vahalkada, or entrance pavilion, of Embekke Devale serves as a stunning introduction to the temple's artistic wonders. This structure is adorned with elaborate wooden carvings that carry deep symbolic meanings. The central makara torana (dragon arch) is particularly noteworthy, featuring intricate depictions of mythical beasts and auspicious symbols.
The ornamentation of the Vahalkada goes beyond mere decoration, serving as a visual narrative of Buddhist and Hindu cosmology. Carved panels depict scenes from the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives) and episodes from local folklore. This rich tapestry of imagery not only beautifies the entrance but also serves an educational purpose, offering devotees a visual representation of important religious and cultural concepts.
Techniques of medieval sinhalese woodcraft preservation
The remarkable state of preservation of Embekke Devale's wooden structures is a testament to both the skill of its original craftsmen and the dedication of generations of conservators. Traditional Sinhalese woodcraft techniques employed several methods to protect wood from decay and insect infestation, ensuring the longevity of these architectural masterpieces.
One key preservation technique involved the careful selection and seasoning of timber. Craftsmen favoured hardwoods like jak and mahogany for their durability and resistance to pests. These woods were often treated with natural oils and resins to enhance their protective properties. Additionally, the raised design of many temple structures, with buildings set on stone foundations, helped to protect the wood from ground moisture and termites.
Modern conservation efforts at Embekke Devale focus on maintaining these traditional preservation methods while incorporating contemporary scientific approaches. This includes careful monitoring of environmental conditions, controlled use of modern wood preservatives, and meticulous documentation of the carvings to aid in potential future restoration work.
Degaldoruwa raja maha vihara: cave temple artistry
Tucked away in the outskirts of Kandy, the Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara offers a unique glimpse into the world of Sri Lankan cave temple artistry. This 18th-century rock temple, commissioned by King Kirti Sri Rajasinha, is renowned for its exquisite murals and innovative architectural solutions that blend natural rock formations with human-made structures.
Kandyan era mural painting techniques and pigments
The walls and ceiling of Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara are adorned with vibrant murals that exemplify the pinnacle of Kandyan era painting techniques. These frescoes, executed in the distinctive Kandyan style, cover a wide range of themes, from Buddhist Jataka tales to scenes of contemporary royal life. The artists employed a sophisticated palette of natural pigments, creating a rich and enduring colour scheme that has withstood the test of time.
The painting technique used at Degaldoruwa involved a meticulous process of surface preparation. The rock walls were first covered with a layer of clay mixed with straw or cotton fibre to create a smooth base. This was followed by a lime plaster coating, which provided the ideal surface for the application of pigments. The artists then used a combination of tempera and fresco secco techniques, applying pigments mixed with binding agents to the dry plaster surface.
Sculptural reliefs of jataka tales: narrative iconography
In addition to its painted murals, Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara features intricate sculptural reliefs that bring Buddhist narratives to life in three dimensions. These reliefs, carved directly into the rock face or modelled in stucco, depict scenes from popular Jataka tales, offering devotees a tangible connection to the Buddha's teachings.
The sculptural programme at Degaldoruwa showcases the sophisticated narrative iconography developed by Kandyan artists. Each relief panel is carefully composed to convey key elements of the story, with figures arranged in dynamic poses and embellished with detailed costumes and attributes. The interplay between painted surfaces and sculptural elements creates a rich visual experience, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the religious narratives presented.
Structural engineering of Rock-Cut shrine rooms
The construction of Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara presented unique engineering challenges due to its location within a natural rock formation. The architects and craftsmen responsible for the temple's creation demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in adapting the cave's irregular contours to create functional and aesthetically pleasing shrine rooms.
One of the most impressive features of Degaldoruwa is its vaulted ceiling, which was carefully carved to create a sense of spaciousness within the confines of the natural rock. Supporting columns were strategically placed to distribute the weight of the rock above, ensuring the stability of the structure. The integration of built elements with the natural cave formation showcases the advanced structural engineering knowledge of 18th-century Sri Lankan architects.
Conservation challenges and modern preservation efforts
The ancient temples of Kandy face numerous conservation challenges in the 21st century. From environmental threats to the pressures of mass tourism, these architectural treasures require careful management and innovative preservation strategies to ensure their survival for future generations.
UNESCO world heritage site management protocols
As part of the Sacred City of Kandy UNESCO World Heritage Site, many of the city's temples benefit from international recognition and support for their preservation. UNESCO's management protocols provide a framework for balancing conservation needs with public access and sustainable development. These guidelines emphasise the importance of maintaining the authenticity and integrity of the sites while allowing for necessary interventions to address structural issues and environmental threats.
Key aspects of UNESCO's management approach include:
- Regular monitoring and reporting on the state of conservation
- Development of comprehensive management plans for each site
- Promotion of traditional craftsmanship and conservation
Climate control systems for ancient murals protection
The preservation of Kandy's ancient temple murals presents unique challenges in Sri Lanka's tropical climate. Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can cause significant damage to these delicate works of art. To address this issue, conservators have implemented sophisticated climate control systems in key temple sites.
These systems typically involve a combination of passive and active measures. Passive techniques include the use of specially designed ventilation systems that promote natural air circulation, reducing moisture buildup without the need for energy-intensive equipment. Active measures often incorporate state-of-the-art dehumidifiers and temperature regulators, carefully calibrated to maintain optimal conditions for mural preservation.
One innovative approach being tested in select Kandyan temples is the use of microclimate vitrines. These sealed display cases create a controlled environment around particularly vulnerable murals, allowing for precise regulation of temperature, humidity, and light exposure. While effective, this method requires careful consideration to balance preservation needs with the authentic visitor experience.
Digital documentation and 3D scanning of temple complexes
In recent years, conservation efforts in Kandy have embraced cutting-edge digital technologies to document and preserve the city's architectural heritage. High-resolution 3D scanning has emerged as a powerful tool for creating detailed digital records of temple complexes, down to the finest carved details.
These scans serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they provide an invaluable reference for future restoration work, allowing conservators to track changes in the structures over time and plan interventions with unprecedented precision. Secondly, the digital models enable virtual access to areas of temples that may be too fragile or restricted for physical visits, enhancing research opportunities and public engagement.
One particularly exciting application of this technology is in the realm of augmented reality (AR). Visitors to Kandy's temples can now use smartphone apps that overlay historical information and reconstructions onto their view of the actual sites, offering a deeper understanding of the structures' evolution and significance.
Community-based conservation initiatives in kandy
Recognizing that effective preservation of Kandy's temples requires more than just technical solutions, conservation authorities have increasingly turned to community-based initiatives. These programs aim to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among local residents, ensuring the long-term sustainability of preservation efforts.
One successful example is the "Temple Guardians" program, which trains local youth in basic conservation techniques and site management. Participants not only gain valuable skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for their cultural heritage. This initiative has led to improved day-to-day maintenance of temple sites and increased community vigilance against vandalism and theft.
Another innovative approach involves partnering with local artisans to revive traditional crafts associated with temple maintenance. By creating economic incentives for preserving these skills, conservators ensure a steady supply of experts capable of carrying out authentic restorations using time-honored techniques.
These community-based efforts not only contribute to the physical preservation of Kandy's temples but also help to keep the intangible cultural heritage associated with these sites alive and vibrant. As we look to the future, it is clear that the continued survival of Kandy's architectural marvels will depend on this delicate balance of cutting-edge technology and deep-rooted community engagement.