Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple
Templo Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya
Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple (Kelaniya, Colombo) – located 10 km away from the heart of Colombo is the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Temple. The ancient chronicle ‘Mahavamsa’ states that on the eighth year following enlightenment; the Buddha visited Kelaniya with 500 Bikkhus (Monks) on the invitation of King Maniakkhikha to preach the dhamma. A stupa(hemispherical structure ) was built on the place where the Buddha preached his sermon also enshrining the supposed gem-studded throne on which he sat. Although unclear as to who originally built the stupa, it was known to have been renovated in the 3rd century BC by King Uttiya. Many kings contributed to the preservation of Kelaniya and during the Kotte Kingdom (14th Century) it was considered an important place of worship.
During the Portuguese occupation of Sri Lanka (16th Century) the buildings in the temple premises were destroyed. It was reconstructed in the 18th century during King Kirthisri Rajasinghe’s reign. The murals seen inside the temple walls nowadays were restored by the renowned artist Solias Mendis — inspired by the artwork of the Ajanta and Elora caves of India. Admission: free (donations accepted). Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.