Exploring Colombo’s Diverse Spiritual Heritage: A Historical Overview
Colombo, the executive and judicial capital city of Sri Lanka, is not just the island nation’s most populous city; it is also exemplary for its religious diversity and tolerance. Buddhists form a majority here, but Muslims, Christians, and Hindus also call Colombo their home. There are many unique monuments that are a must-see both for their spiritual histories and architectural achievements.
Colombo: A Cultural Cornucopia
On a recent trip to Colombo, I checked into Cinnamon Grand located in the heart of the city and took a guided cultural tour, led by their Cinnamon Ranger, of Colombo’s iconic places of worship. Here are four places I visited that are not just must-see sights; they also made me appreciate how easy it is to live in harmony.
Red Mosque
Located in the bustling Pettah area, the Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid, popularly called the Red Mosque, is an architectural delight. Towering over the shops in the busy lane, the sight of the mosque is mesmerizing thanks to its bright red and white patterned hues visible from a distance. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style in 1909, the Red Mosque’s domes are shaped more like pomegranates rather than the typical onion domes of mosques. The minarets are reminiscent of Persian architecture that makes this an unusual design for a mosque. Women are allowed inside the mosque but need to cover their heads and shoulders.
Gangaramaya Vihara Temple
Built in the late 19th century, the Gangaramaya Vihara Temple is a Buddhist temple and a museum. Apart from a taxidermied elephant and crocodile, there are hordes of elephant ivory, porcelain, Chinese statues, watches, cameras, photographs, coins, shells, swords, and items that were gifted to the temple. Located near the Beira Lake, the temple blends the architectural styles of Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and China. A walk around the temple revealed a Vihara (temple), Pagada, Bodhi tree (whose roots are from a temple in Anuradhapura), an assembly hall for monks, and a relic chamber.
St. Anthony’s Church
St. Anthony’s shrine, a cream-hued Roman Catholic Church, is a minor basilica dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, the patron saint of travelers, fishermen, and sailors. Following the deadly bombing on Easter in April 2019, photography had been banned inside the church. Believed to be a miraculous shrine, this place is thronged by non-Christians as well. Originally built in 1828, the relics of St. Anthony are within the church. The enlarged church was consecrated in 1940. Reliefs on the walls that show the life story of St. Anthony’s life are not to be missed.
Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil
A fine example of Dravidian architecture, the Shri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil was built in 1857 by Ponnambalam Mudaliyar of the royal family of Jaffna. His son Ponnnambalam Ramanathan demolished the old brick and mortar structure and rebuilt the exquisite temple with granite in accordance with ancient Hindu Vedic scriptures. Built by some of the best sculptors from South India, the temple used black granite quarried from the town of Veyangoda and other local materials. The carvings and sculptures here are almost life-like and have much attention to detail. The conical temple spire, intricately carved pillars, decorative arches, sculpted walls, and sculptures of gods and goddesses make for a spectacular sight. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is designed based on human anatomy, and the sub-shrines are strategically located around the sanctum sanctorum.
Tips from my trip
As a freelance writer and photographer from Bangalore who enjoys taking the offbeat path when traveling, I found my recent trip to Colombo to be a rich cultural experience. The diverse religious heritage of the city left a lasting impression on me and highlighted the importance of tolerance and coexistence.
In a world where differences often lead to division, exploring Colombo’s spiritual landmarks reminded me of the beauty that comes from embracing diversity. Each site I visited, from the Red Mosque’s striking architecture to the serene atmosphere of St. Anthony’s Church, offered a glimpse into the unique traditions and beliefs that shape Colombo’s identity.
As I navigated the bustling streets and serene temples, I couldn’t help but marvel at the rich tapestry of faith that binds the city together. The intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and peaceful ambiance of these sacred spaces spoke volumes about the power of unity in diversity.
My visit to Colombo served as a poignant reminder of the importance of mutual respect and understanding in a world that is often plagued by intolerance and prejudice. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of cultural exchange and the profound impact it can have on fostering harmony and goodwill among communities.
In a time where divisions seem to grow deeper, Colombo’s diverse spiritual heritage stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. It is a testament to the fact that despite our differences, we can find common ground in our shared humanity and create a world where tolerance, compassion, and acceptance reign supreme.
