Built on a hilltop, Kande Vihara Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. The temple has multiple unique attractions, with the prominent being the majestic sculpture of a cross-legged sitting Buddha, one of the tallest statues in the world. The temple got its name Kande Vihara because it was built on the top of a hill called Mountain Hill. The Sri Lankan government recognised it as an archaeological site and since then, it has become a prominent site for historians, archaeologists, and xenophiles. The temple continues to be one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the world, attracting thousands of devotees every day.
Kande Vihara Temple History
Under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara Thero, Karapagala Dewamitta Thero laid the foundation of this temple in 1734. Since then, the temple has been renovated, developed, and maintained to preserve its architectural and cultural importance. A monastic college named Kshethrarama Pirivena was attached to the temple in 1904 due to the significant contributions made by Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero. Pirivena serves as a major educational centre for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Since then, the temple has become home to several monks practising and preaching Buddhism. Junior monks also come from around the world to get guidance from senior monks.
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Kande Viharaya Temple Architecture
Image Credit: Balou46 for Wikipedia
Kande Viharaya Temple architecture features intricate carvings, paintings, and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, Jataka stories and other religious motifs. The sacred Bodhi tree in the temple premises is believed to be 300 years old. The image house, stupa, and Bodhi tree are considered the oldest monuments on the temple premises, and they remained untouched during reconstruction. They are still standing, holding the same ethics, culture, and architecture since ancient times.
Major Highlights Of Kande Viharaya Temple
Inside the Kande Viharaya Temple Beruwala premises, you will feel the most positive energies you have ever experienced. The art and design carved on the walls will take you back to 1734 when the temple was constructed. The stupa, the Bodhi Tree (or Bo Tree), the Relic chamber, the Image house, Shri Vishnu Mahadevalya, and the four Mahadevalyas are the prime factors contributing to the attraction and importance of Kande Vihara Temple.
Stupa
Image Credit: Kurun for Wikimedia Commons
A stupa holds an essential place in Buddhist culture. It is a dome-shaped structure prominently used in Buddhist shrines. The Stupa in Kande Vihara temple is bell-shaped and is erected in an octagonal shelter. Its base is a decorative representation of the moulding of flower petals. There are three basal terraces on this base, followed by the dome. Above the dome are square enclosures with Bo Tree engravings in each corner. The small-sized stupa was constructed by Udugama Chandrasara Thero in 1783. To enclose it, the large stupa was then built in 1935 by Sri Saranatissa Nayaka Thero.
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Relic Chamber
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The relic chamber is one of the oldest chambers and the most essential features of the temple. The entrance was enriched with glorious moonstones and solid granites used for making large doors, filling the chamber with peace, relaxation, and calmness all around. What actually makes this room so attractive are the beautiful and intricate designs and paintings that cover the walls and ceiling. These paintings are inspired by the Kandyan period.
Bo Tree (or Bodhi Tree)
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The Bo tree is located inside the temple premises and is believed to be at least 300 years old. The Bodhi tree holds great importance and spiritual value in Buddhism. In the 1980s, this tree was enclosed with square walls. Recently, the present chief incumbent, Thero, replaced these square walls with octagonal ones. The inside of these walls depicts various sculptures related to the arrival of the sacred Bo tree.
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Image House
Image Credit: Lankapic for Wikipedia
With three arch-shaped entrances and floral and creeper designs, the image house is a room built in 1735. It has three gateways and two chambers. It was erected in 1731 with an inner chamber and an outer chamber. In the inner chamber, several Buddha images are in different styles (sitting, standing, and sleeping). The doors of the inner chambers are well-decorated with Nava Nari Kungara, Sapta Nari Kesara, and many others. At the same time, the ceiling and walls of the outer chamber are filled with different types of mural paintings. On the left side of the outer chamber of the image house is the Deva Mandira, built in the name of Lord Vishnu. It is a custom in Buddhism that they pray to Buddha first and then bow down in front of Lord Vishnu with the hope of receiving blessings.
Buddha Statue
The construction of the highest Buddha statue in Sri Lanka is the latest project at the Kande Vihara temple. This statue depicts the Bhumisparsha Mudra of Lord Buddha, which is 160 feet in height. The foundation of this project was laid on 10 November 2002. The majestic cross-legged Buddha is said to be the tallest sitting Buddha statue on earth. The statue is an eye-catching sight and can be easily noticed from far distances. Besides, many smaller Buddha statues are inside the Kande Viharaya Temple Beruwala.
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Kande Vihara Temple Nearby Attractions
Kande Vihara Temple is surrounded by many tourist hotspots that you must explore to enrich your travel experience. Some places, from the serene Bentota Beach to the enchanting Brief Garden, interest every visitor.
1. Bentota Beach (2.9 km)
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Situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, this beach offers clean water, a warm atmosphere, and calm vibes. Coconut trees all around and a relaxing sunset with a slow breeze is the best to be experienced here. You may also go cycling to explore the fishing beach in Bentota. Since it is a small town, it will be best explored by bike. If you love trekking, then go hiking across the paddy fields here. During this experience, you will find a 125-year-old temple, Katukoliye temple. Also, you will encounter some migratory birds and a few creatures living in those green fields.
Timings: Early morning to late evening
Activities: Water skiing, windsurfing, banana ride and more.
2. Brief Garden (3 km)
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It is a botanical area with an entry fee of Rs. 2000 (half rate for kids between 6-12). Initially, this place was a rubber estate, but it has now been converted into a beautiful public garden with greenery and colourful plantations. The idea and layout of this garden were mainly crafted by two friends, Bevis Bawa (owner of the rubber estate) and Australian artist Donal Friend. There are pavements made so that you can easily walk through the garden and absorb its beauty more efficiently.
Timings: 8 AM to 4 PM
Activities: LKR 2000 per person/prices are subject to change
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Kande Vihara Temple holds spiritual value for Buddhists and people who love art, culture, architecture, and ancient paintings. A museum inside the temple lets you dive deeper into the history of this temple, Buddhism, and Sri Lanka. A visit to this temple is a must, not only in terms of religious beliefs but also for the breathtaking natural beauty. So, plan a trip to Sri Lanka and visit this temple where the world’s tallest sitting, Budhha, resides. ,
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Cover Image credit : By Balou46 for Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kande Vihara Temple
What is the ideal time to visit Kande Vihara Temple?
The best time to visit Kande Vihara Temple is in the morning when many other rituals are performed, and the crowd is smaller.
What are Kande Viharaya Temple's timings?
Kande Vihara Temple is open from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, offering sufficient time for both locals and visitors to explore the temple grounds and its features.
What are Kande Vihara Temple entry charges?
There are no entry fees, but if you wish to donate some money, there are donation boxes inside the Kande Vihara Temple.
Can non-Buddhists enter the Kande Vihara Temple?
Yes, the Kande Viharaya Temple Beruwala is open to all visitors, regardless of their caste, creed, or nationality.
How do you reach the Kande Viharaya location?
Being a popular tourist attraction, the Kande Viharaya location can be easily reached from any major city in Sri Lanka. The temple is about 1.5 km from Aluthgama town, from where you can take a bus, car, or tuk-tuk.
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