Galagoda Shailatalarama Ancient Temple

Karandeniya, Galagoda Shailatalarama ancient temple is one of the remote Buddhist temples located in Galle district. Though the temple has not been received much attention due to its remote location, it has a remarkable feature to make you aware. 

Shailatalarama ancient Buddhist temple consists of the largest and the longest reclining Buddha statue in South Asia. It is about 88 cubits.  

The main and largest shrine room with reclining Buddha statue, the Bodhi tree, stupa, temple of relics (dhathu mandiraya), dhamma preaching hall, residential area of the 5 monks of the temple (sangaawaasaya), alms hall (dhaana shaala) are included in this ancient temple. 

The length and the width of the shrine room is about 125 ft and 25 ft respectively and the height of it is about 33 ft. The concrete roof is about 3125 sq ft. The entrance of the shrine room has been built with rubble and inside it, there you can see the statues of venerable Sariyuth and Mugalan theros and King Dutugemunu and Elara in either sides with their troupes of soldiers.

There are about 5 Buddhist monks including samanera monks and they need help for their education and to fulfill other needs. 

📷 courtesy- LifeSriLanka - Amanda Mendis