Nalanda Gedige is an ancient temple located in the town of Matale, Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, during the reign of the Sinhalese kings. The temple is unique in that it combines elements of both Hindu and Buddhist architecture, which is a reflection of the religious and cultural diversity of Sri Lanka.
The temple is built on a rectangular plan with a small entrance porch at the front. The main chamber of the temple contains a stone image of the Buddha, which is believed to be one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. The walls of the chamber are decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities, suggesting that the temple may have been used for both Buddhist and Hindu worship.
The roof of the temple is particularly noteworthy, as it is constructed using a technique known as "vihara-madulu," which involves laying bricks at angles to create a corbelled arch. This technique was common in ancient Sri Lankan architecture, but is rarely seen today.
Nalanda Gedige is an important archaeological site and is considered a national treasure in Sri Lanka. It is open to visitors and is a popular tourist attraction.