Lankatilaka Temple

In the Udunuwara area of Kandy, located in the Hiyarapitiya town is the Lankatilaka Raja Maha Vihara – the Lankatilaka Temple or the Blue Temple. Constructed with four stories 88 feet high is this mighty building that sits atop an uneven bed of rock which overlooks the Hantane Mountain Range. It was established during the Gampola era under the realm of King Bhuvanekabahu IV in 1344 AD. Historical records reveal that King Bhuvanekabahu IV had chosen his Chief Minister Senalankadhikara to administrate the Temple’s construction. It was learned through inscriptions on a copper plaque that the foundation stone was laid on the surface of the rock and the structure was built with bricks. It has beautiful architecture with its walls having stunning arches and sculptures with blends of Sinhalese architecture of the era of Polonnaruwa along with Dravidian and Indo Chinese influences. The shape of the building used to resemble a cross and even though it was of four stories height, only the ground and part of the first floor remains today.
Many inscriptions of Sinhala and Tamil language narrate stories of how the Kings ruled during the ancient era and how they had provided facilities to the Temple. Dedicated to many deities, apart from Lord Buddha, they are Vishnu, Saman, Vibhishna, Ganapathi, Skandhakumara and Kumara Bandara.
You can approach the temple through the Sanghawasa which is at the bottom of the rock when the steps begin to the temple. Upon ascending the steps, you can view gorgeous landscapes of the surrounding area.
The temple complex constitutes the Temple building, the Dagoba (Chethiya) and the Bo Tree. There appears to be a large carving of Lord Buddha’s footprint set in stone which is located near the Bo Tree. The hall where preaching takes place, is at the front of the Main entrance of the Temple. It has a beautiful patterned roof with flat and round tiles which looks extraordinary. Once you enter the arched entryway, you will notice two paintings of figures of lions which have gain recognition as special features of this temple. The interior gives sight to a statue of a seated Buddha which is covered by a Makara Torana or Dragon Arch. The statue is surrounded by motifs of trees and flowers reflecting the looks of a Bodhi Tree.