As visitors to Gadaladeniya Vihara enter the complex one will see a structure with a central stupa with smaller stupas at its cardinal points. Over the whole thing is a Kandyan style steep sloping roof supported on thick white columns. This is probably what most people associate with Gadaladeniya. But in fact the main temple, which clearly shows Indian influence is next to it.
This Buddhist temple was constructed in the style of a Hindu Temple by the Dravidian Architect Ganeswaracharya, employed by King Buvanekabahu IV (1341-1351 AD) in 1344 AD. This is recorded in a large rock-inscription at the site. The temple is built entirely of stone, including the Sikhara or upper floor in the shape of a Dagaba. The Temple is 23.4 m (78 ft.) in length, 11.1m (37 ft) in breadth and 12m (40 ft). in height.
Elephants adorn otherwise plain walls. The cardinal points have small shrine rooms with seated Buddhas and decaying ancient murals. The whole complex is built on an uneven bed of rock atop a tiny hillock. The front stone porch is intricately carved. The stairway is decorated with stone sculptures of animals.
