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Kandy is home to many historical structures, and the magnificent Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is famous among them. The Statue of Buddha is made of copper alloy, seen from all over Kandy, and is very prominent among Buddhists. The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a magnificent statue built on a hilltop. It is 88 feet high. The statue depicts Buddha in ‘dhyana Mudra’, the first stage of Buddha’s enlightenment journey. The temple is visited by tourists and devotees alike.

History Of The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

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The tranquil temple has had a troublesome history related to its construction. The peaceful temple was built on donated land to a monk named Dhammarama in the 1970s. The higher monks opposed the temple’s construction because the temple would have overshadowed the centre of Siyam Nikkaya, a monastic order born out of the need to check the rampant growing corruption within Buddhism. After a resolution of this matter by President Ranasinghe Premdasa, the construction of the temple finally commenced in the 1980s and finished in 1992.

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Timings And Entry Fees

The aerial view of the massive white Buddha Statue

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The magnificent Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a massive structure that can be seen from anywhere in Kandy. The beautiful structure is prominent for the religion of Buddhism and attracts tourists from around the globe. An important structure for devotees of Buddha, the Statue is open to tourists from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entry fee is 250 LKR, which is equivalent to 70 INR. The beautiful statue depicts Buddha in ‘dhyana Mudra, ‘ the first stage of Buddha’s enlightenment journey. The temple is visited by tourists and devotees alike.

How To Reach The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Buddha statues in the premises of Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Image Credits: By Nicolas Postiglioni for Pexels

The Buddha statue is made of copper alloy, can be seen throughout Kandy, and is very prominent among Buddhists. A magnificent statue, the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is built on a hilltop and is 88 feet high. Reaching the Statue from Kandy is hassle-free. To reach the foot of the mountain, tourists can take the cost-effective and very famous ‘Tuk-Tuk’. An E-rickshaw can reach the foot of the mountain and the base of this place. Then from there, reaching the top requires tourists to be on foot. Tourists are required to trek. The trek is a little difficult, but the views from the top of the mountain make it worth it. It takes 20 minutes from the base to reach the top.

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Things To Do

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The Grandiose Statue is above the city, on top of a hilltop, giving a breathtaking view of the city. One can participate in various activities while reaching the top or after this place.

Trekking: A 20-minute trek leads to the grandiose Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, which offers tourists an opportunity to experience serenity like never before. The trek up the hill to reach the statue is tiring, but the views from the top are worth it.

Sightseeing: The statue oversees the city below, so the views of the whole city are magnificent. The Statue offers peace and tranquillity to tourists and devotees. It is very famous among history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many devotees come to experience peace and serenity at this place.

Shopping: For tourists who would like to shop for souvenirs, there is a souvenir shop on the same hilltop from which tourists can shop.

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The grandiose statue of Buddha Statue has an aura of peace and tranquillity visited by devotees and tourists. The gorgeous, towering white statue is a marvellous statue significant for Buddhism. A 20-minute trek leads to the magnificent Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue. Therefore, it offers tourists an opportunity to experience serenity like never before. Plan your trip to Sri Lanka to visit a peaceful place and have a tranquil experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

What is the highest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka?

There are various Buddha temples in Sri Lanka among them the highest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka are:

  • Buddha Statue in Kande Vihara 48.8 m (160 ft)
  • Buddha Statue in Batamulla Kanda Buddhist Centre 41.1 m (135 ft)
  • Buddha Statue in Wewurukannala Vihara 30.5 m (100 ft)
  • Buddha Statue in Bahirawakanda Vihara 26.8 m (88 ft)

How tall is the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue?

The towering Buddha statue of Bahirawakanda Vihara is located atop a hill. The grandiose statue is 88 feet tall and can be seen throughout Kandy. The beautiful statue is among the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Owing to its height, the views from atop the hill are very mesmerising.

What is the tallest standing Buddha statue?

Located in Japan, the tallest standing Buddha statue is 390 feet tall. Its construction was completed in 1993, and it is the tallest standing Buddha statue. The Buddha statue is built upon a base and has a lotus beneath it.

What is the longest-lying Buddha statue?

Ayutthaya. Wat Pa Mok Worawihan in Ang Thong - 23 metres (75 ft) The reclining Buddha image was constructed during the Sukhothai period. Wat Pho of Bangkok - 46 metres (151 ft) Wat Phra Kaew in Kamphaeng Phet (15th century).

How to reach Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue?

Reaching the Statue from the city is fairly easy. To reach the foot of the mountain, tourists can take an E-ricksaw. From there, reaching the top requires tourists to trek. Upon reaching the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, tourists can enjoy the panoramic views and the tranquil aura of the statue.

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Category: Kandy, Places To Visit, Sri Lankan

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