Temples in Sri Lanka

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This page has pictures of various temples and shrines. Individual descriptions are below in the different sections.

All pictures are © Dr. Günther Eichhorn, unless otherwise noted.

Various temples and shrines

Small roadside Buddha shrine. (1111k)

Large roadside Buddha statue with the Dhyana Mudra. (1028k)

Roadside Hindu shrine. (1234k)

Hindu temple. (670k)

Hindu temple in Kandy. (870k)

Large Hindu temple. (885k)

Cave Temple in Dambulla

The Cave Temple of Dambulla complex dates back to the first century BCE. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include Vishnu and the Ganesha. The murals cover an area of 2,100 m² (22,600 square feet). Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Huge Buddha statue with the Dharmachakra Mudra in Dambulla. (845k)

Stupa in Dambulla. (728k)

Outside of the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (796k)

Paintings in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (998k)

Paintings in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (838k)

Paintings in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (937k)

Buddha statue with the Dhyana Mudra in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (836k)

Buddha statues in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (1125k)

Buddha statue in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (1094k)

Buddha statue in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (875k)

Buddha statues in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (907k)

Buddha statue with the Vitarka Mudra in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (746k)

Buddha statue in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (837k)

Buddha statues in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (741k)

Buddha statue with the Dhyana Mudra in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (954k)

Buddha statue in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (932k)

Buddha statues in the Cave Temples in Dambulla. (1021k)

Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is the holiest site of Buddhism. It is said to hold a tooth of Buddha. This tooth has a long history of being moved around. There are several temples that housed the tooth over the centuries.

Sacred City of Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.