Nalanda Gedige: A Unique Fusion of Buddhist and Hindu Architecture

Nalanda Gedige is an ancient stone temple near Matale, Sri Lanka, built between the 8th and 10th centuries. Known for its Dravidian architecture in the Pallava style, it represents a distinctive blend of Buddhist and Hindu influences. Recognized as a Buddhist monastery by a 9th-century pillar inscription in Sinhala, it was a center for Tantric Buddhist practices, particularly associated with Vajrayana Buddhism.

Architectural Features
The design of Nalanda Gedige resembles that of a Hindu temple, featuring a mandapa (hall), an entrance passage, and a bare cell surrounded by an ambulatory path. The temple’s facade, reconstructed in 1975, features South Indian motifs, including the God Kubera seated on a lotus in high relief over the southern tympanum—a design unique to Sri Lanka. Though Hindu in structure, the absence of Hindu deities highlights its Buddhist purpose, with influences seen in its eroded yet evocative Tantric carvings.

History and Restoration
The history of Nalanda Gedige as an archaeological site began in 1893. In 1911, restoration was proposed by then Archaeological Commissioner, H.C.P. Bell, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that significant preservation efforts were completed. Threatened by the construction of the Bowatenne Tank, the temple was dismantled, moved, and reassembled on the tank’s bund, where it currently stands.

Significance and Design Hybridization
Nalanda Gedige is considered a “hybrid” temple. Elements like the vestibule and central structure reflect Hindu architectural style, while others—such as its moonstone, balustrades, and dwarf motifs—show distinct Sinhalese artistry. The combination of these styles makes Nalanda Gedige a rare example of harmonized architecture in Sri Lanka, embodying a classical aesthetic with vibrant details against the backdrop of lush hills and serene water.

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