Stone carvings at the Gadaladeniya temple, Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka.

Stone-carving of 'Siva-Nataraja,

Another decorative stone carving.

Gadaladeniya Temple, Sri Lanka.

A covered Sthupa

The main temple

A temple on a rock with a lovely view of the countryside.

Gadaladeniya, Pilimathalawa, Sri Lanka.

A store-room at the Gadaladeniya Temple.

A 'rock-edict' at the temple.

Various members of the Royal family of the Gampola and Kandyan period in the history of Sri-Lanka have patronized this temple.
Click on web-link below:-
http://www.angelfire.com/planet/kandy/gadaladeniya/gadaladeniya.htm

Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Pooja requisites

Coconuts, claypot  lamps containing ghee, plastic garlands, incense sticks are the various items for sale inside the premises of the Dewale.

Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Queing up to go for Pooja.

An old building

The environs of the 'Chaithya' at Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka

The sacred 'Bo' tree near the 'Chaithya'

The courtyard in front of the 'Chaithya'

Breaking coconuts, Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka

Breaking of coconuts

Pieces of broken coconuts surrounding the stone where the coconuts are smashed

Breaking of coconuts to fulfil a vow to Lord Ganesha is practiced extensively in the Hindu Dewales of Sri Lanka. There are various interpretations given to this act. I have heard it said that it is an act symbolizing the breaking of the hard outer ego to taste the white sweet kernel of the deity resident in each human being. I took these pictures and video at the Aluthnuwara Dewale in Mawanella, Sri Lanka.
Video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAceEbYQ_y0