Kelaniya Temple

Kelaniya Temple built on the banks of the Kelaniya River is one of the most sacred sites of Sri
Lanka. It is believed Lord Buddha together with 500 Arahats (Supremely enlightened beings)
visited Kelaniya on the Wesek day of the Buddhist Era 2531 and expounding of the Dhamma,
the Buddhist doctrine to the inhabitants of the island.

Buddha’s timely visit to the island resulted in quelling an imminent war between two kings
named Chulodara and Mahodara over a jewel–encrusted throne. Lord Buddha having preached
the doctrine on the disputed throne offered to him ensued lasting peace between the two kings.
The great stupa built upon the site enshrining the throne was since then called Kelaniya Raja
Maha Vihara.

Kelaniya Temple believed to had been built in the era prior to the chronologically recorded
history of Sir Lanka (since 543 B.C) was renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King
Devanampiyatissa following the arrival Arahat Mahinda in 307 BC. According to the Mahawansa,
King Devanampiyatissa’s brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. Prince Uttiya also
built the first ever residential quarters of the Buddhist monks (Sanghawasa) there. The entrance
to the temple yard is over the park across the main street. The arched grill gate opens up to
the lower terrace of the temple yard. The lower terrace leads four sets of flight of steps in four
carinal directions to the Upper terrace which features the Image Hose, Dagaba and the Bo Tree
(Peepal tree) with other buildings.