🙏 Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Sri Lanka
About This Sacred Site
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, located on the banks of the Kelani River near Colombo, is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. According to the Mahavamsa (Great Chronicle), the Buddha visited this site during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka, preaching to the nagas (serpent deities) and sanctifying the location. The temple features stunning modern murals by the acclaimed Sri Lankan artist Solias Mendis, depicting the life of the Buddha and key events in Sri Lankan Buddhist history. The annual January Duruthu Perahera is one of Colombo's most colorful religious processions.
Key Facts
- •The Buddha is believed to have visited and preached at this site
- •Features striking modern murals by renowned Sri Lankan artist Solias Mendis
- •The Duruthu Perahera festival in January is one of Sri Lanka's grandest processions
- •Located on the banks of the Kelani River, just outside Colombo
- •The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over two millennia
Location
Coordinates: 6.9611, 79.9197
Related Holy Sites
☸️Bodh Gaya (Mahabodhi Temple)
Where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.
🛕Angkor Wat
The largest religious monument in the world, originally Hindu then Buddhist.
🪷Shwedagon Pagoda
Myanmar's most sacred Buddhist pagoda, gilded with 60 tons of gold.
☸️Lumbini
The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha.
🪷Borobudur
The world's largest Buddhist temple, with 2,672 relief panels.
🏯Potala Palace
Former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, towering over Lhasa.