Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Kelaniya in Colombo

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara - Kelaniya in Colombo is one of the most sacred worshipping places of the Buddhists of Sri Lanka since it is a site blessed by the visit of Lord Buddha. During the ancient times, Kelaniya itself was a large city and the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya was one of the largest and one of the most beautiful temples of Sri Lanka. It stands as an evidence of the Buddhist tradition in this country.

Features of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara - Kelaniya in Colombo

  -   Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is set within a sacred area of around ten acres, about six miles from Colombo, beside the Kelani River.
  -   The site where this vihara stands today derived its sanctity in the Buddhist era 2531 with the third visit of the Buddha to this country accompanied by 500 Arahants.
  -   The fact that the Buddha visited the spot on a Wesak day on the invitation of King Maniakkhika can be found in the historic epics of Sri Lanka.
  -   According to the legends, the Naga King invited Buddha to a meal at this spot and later, built a Vihara where the Buddha's hair, the utensils and the seat used by the Lord were buried.
  -   The place became a prominent place of Buddhist worship after the venerable Mahinda brought the Dhamma to this country.
  -   King Devanampiyatissa's brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. He is also said to have built the first quarters of the monks there.
  -   Historical evidence shows that the Kelaniya Vihara was at the peak of its glory during the Kotte Era.
  -   Around1510, the Portuguese entered the country and destroyed the sacred temple. They had seized this land preventing Buddhists from worshiping at the temple.
  -   Restrictions imposed on the development of Kelaniya were reduced with the advent of the Dutch.
  -   The Dutch, perhaps in order to gain king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha's good will, permitted him to develop Kelaniya Vihara in 1767.
  -   Thus, the reconstruction of the vihara was undertaken by the Chief incumbent Venerable Mapitigama Buddharakkhita with funds from the treasury.