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All Sri Lanka Colombo Isipathanaramaya Temple

Isipathanaramaya Temple

This peaceful sanctuary is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Meg Neal
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Isipathanaramaya Temple   Joerg Boethling / Alamy
The white dome of Isipathanaramaya Temple.   richard sowersby / Alamy
Sculpture and Buddhist paintings at entrance to Isipathanaramaya Temple.   Kevin Clogstoun/Getty Images
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Among the many houses of worship in the Sri Lankan capital, this century-old temple stands out as something special. Isipathanaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, built in 1916 by a wealthy merchant to grieve the loss of his only son, who was executed by the British based on false accusations.

The colonial temple’s wonderful architecture and artwork would assure that the young man’s name was remembered throughout the century to come. The bright white domed structure hides a burst of colorful statues and painted murals inside. Created by a renowned artist in the 1920s, the beautiful and well-preserved frescos depict the life of Buddha in a stylized fashion that was quite unique for the time.

The temple also houses a lovely Bo Tree, and the recent addition of a 40-foot-tall Buddha statue. Isipathanaramaya is the local temple in Havelock Town (Colombo 5), located just far enough south to be off the tourist track. It’s a serene and peaceful place, a welcome respite from the bustle of Colombo.

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Buddhism Temples History Domes Sacred Spaces

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Located in Colombo 5, most easily reached by tuk-tuk. Open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a $1 entry fee. Note that this is an active temple frequented by locals who come here to meditate and pray.

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Meg

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October 5, 2018

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Isipathanaramaya Temple
Isipathana Road
Colombo
Sri Lanka
6.88882, 79.865559
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Nearby Places

Sri Lanka Planetarium

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Colombo

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Places 8

Nearby Places

Sri Lanka Planetarium

Colombo, Sri Lanka

miles away

Borella Kanatte General Cemetery

Colombo, Sri Lanka

miles away

Rajagiriya Marsh

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Colombo

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Places 8

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