Highlights
- Believed to be where the Buddha came on his third visit to Sri Lanka
- Tradition links this visit to the footprint on Adam's Peak
- The stupa was built to mark the Buddha's visit
- Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa, is said to have rebuilt it
- The Duruthu Perahera takes place here each January
- Its procession honours the relics and the temple's guardian gods
Overview
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple on the banks of the Kelani river, about 10 km north-east of central Colombo. It is one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka. According to tradition, the Buddha visited Kelaniya on his third and last visit to the island, at the invitation of a Naga king.
History
The temple has been rebuilt many times. It was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 16th century and restored in the Kandyan period and again in the 20th century. Its present image house dates largely from the 20th century, when it was rebuilt with support from Helena Wijewardene, a patron of the temple.
What you see
- The stupa: a large white stupa said to enshrine a gem-studded throne used by the Buddha.
- The image house: its walls are painted with murals by the artist Solias Mendis, showing the life of the Buddha and events in Sri Lankan history, such as the arrival of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Sanghamitta.
- Bodhi tree, shrines and carvings, including figures of gods and guardians.
Duruthu Perahera
A large procession, the Duruthu Perahera, is held each January around the Duruthu poya, marking the Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka.
How long it takes
About an hour.
When to go
Morning or evening, when it is cooler and worship is active. Poya days are busy.
Getting there
Kelaniya is about 30 minutes by road from Colombo Fort, depending on traffic.
Practical tips
- Remove shoes and hats; wear white or modest clothes.
- Do not use flash on murals.
Also visit the Gangaramaya Temple. Join our Colombo city tour, or see things to do in Colombo and Colombo hotels.
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