Kande Viharaya Temple in Beruwala

Kande Viharaya Temple in Beruwala

Beruwala is a small town located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, and rich cultural heritage. Kande Viharaya Temple, also known as the Temple of the Hill, is one of the most popular cultural attractions in Beruwala.

The Kande Viharaya Temple is located on a hill overlooking the town of Beruwala. The temple was built in the 18th century and has since been an important center of Buddhist worship in the region. The temple is believed to have been built by a local nobleman named Sugathadasa, who was a huge devotee of Lord Buddha.

The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the hill to reach the temple or take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the top. Once at the temple, visitors can explore the various buildings and monuments that make up the complex.

One of the most striking features of the Kande Viharaya Temple is the large statue of the Buddha at the entrance. The statue is over 48 feet tall and is one of the most giant Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Visitors can also see several other statues of the Buddha inside the temple, as well as intricate carvings and paintings that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology.

Another interesting feature of the Kande Viharaya Temple is the Bodhi tree that stands in the courtyard. The Bodhi tree is believed to be a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree is considered sacred by Buddhists and is a popular spot for meditation and prayer.

Visitors to the Kande Viharaya Temple can also take part in various religious rituals and ceremonies. The temple hosts regular prayer sessions and meditation classes; visitors are welcome to participate. There are also several festivals and events held at the temple throughout the year, including the Vesak festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha.

Overall, the Kande Viharaya Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and Buddhist tradition. The temple offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, stunning views of the surrounding area, and a chance to learn more about one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating religions.

.

.

(Featured Image Credit: Jani Vibes from Facebook)

Weherahena Temple in Matara

Weherahena Temple in Matara

Weherahena Temple or someone called “Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya,” is another nice place to visit in Matara, Sri Lanka. It is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site with a large Buddha statue. The temple is considered the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. But there is no great historical value behind this. The distance to Weherahena Temple from Colombo is 170  km, and from Matara city, it is 7 km.

There is an interesting story behind this tourist attraction. It dates back to the early 20th century. Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero has arrived in the Weherahena area as a punishment from his teacher. The land was approximately 0.5 acres in size at the time, and it was made up of a Bodhi tree. The Thero then built a small clay house on the land with the support of the people. He then decided to develop the temple and planned to build it into the largest Buddha statue in the world. He also wanted to build a tunnel temple, as has been mentioned in the Ummagga Jathaka Story.

In 1939, the Thero began construction on the planned temple with the help of Anagarika Dharmapala. The tunnel was first made, and the work on the large statue was started later. Finally, the statue was completed in 1976. Japan was also encouraged to rebuild the temple in a modern style after 1976. The area of the whole temple is nearly 3 acres today.

Today, visitors to the temple can see the beautiful and decorated art on the tunnel walls. The 39-meter height Buddha statue has brought massive attraction to the temple from the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Buddha statue is also thought to be in the samadhi position.

We suggest you visit this beautiful Weherahena Temple during your tour of southern Sri Lanka.

.

.

(Featured Image Credit: Gamini Nishantha from Facebook)

1
…
3
4