Ancient Buddhist temple made in Kotte era. Many Buddhists visit this temple which has a Nà bodhi which is believed to be the type of bodhi which would be used... Read More by the Maithree bodhisatva.

One of the most historical temples in Sri lanka. Wonderfull place. You should be there in the evening, before sunset. millions of parrots visit there. amazing thing to see

The temple grounds exude a sense of peace with ancient trees, beautifully maintained gardens, and traditional architecture. The main shrine features intricate murals and Buddha statues that reflect the artistic... Read More and religious heritage of Sri Lanka. The presence of a sacred Bo Tree adds to the spiritual ambiance, drawing devotees and visitors alike for meditation and prayer.

one of the historic temples in Sri Lanka at kotte... has a long history behind his existence... and has a rich culture built in with so many traditions....

The Kotte Kingdom, a significant chapter in Sri Lanka's history, flourished during the 15th century. It was a period marked by both cultural brilliance and political intrigue, shaping the course... Read More of the island nation. The kingdom's rise began in the late 14th century when Minister Alakesvara established Kotte as a fortress to counter potential invasions from South India. However, it was under the reign of Parakramabahu VI (1412-1467) that Kotte truly blossomed. He moved the capital from Gampola to Kotte in 1415, recognizing its strategic location and natural defenses. Parakramabahu VI's reign was a golden era for Kotte. He successfully unified the island, conquering the Jaffna Kingdom in the north, bringing Sri Lanka under a single rule for the first time in over a century. This period witnessed significant cultural and artistic advancements, with Kotte becoming a center of learning and religious activity. The construction of the Kotte Dalada Maligawa, a temple housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, further solidified the kingdom's religious importance. However, the Kotte Kingdom's prosperity was short-lived. Internal strife and external pressures began to erode its power. In 1521, a tragic event known as the "Wijayaba Kollaya" led to the division of the kingdom among the sons of King Vijayabahu VII. This weakened the kingdom and paved the way for further decline. The arrival of the Portuguese in 1505 marked a turning point. Seeking to exploit the region's resources and strategic location, the Portuguese established a foothold in Sri Lanka. They formed alliances with certain Kotte rulers, further destabilizing the kingdom. In 1597, with the death of King Don Juan Dharmapala, the Kotte Kingdom officially ended. The Portuguese, who had been steadily increasing their influence, took control of the kingdom, marking the beginning of a new era in Sri Lankan history. The legacy of the Kotte Kingdom, however, endures. Its capital city, now a suburb of Colombo, still bears witness to its glorious past. The ruins of the ancient city, including the Kotte Dalada Maligawa and the royal palace, offer a glimpse into the grandeur of this bygone era. The Kotte Kingdom's story serves as a reminder of Sri Lanka's rich history and the complex interplay of power, culture, and external influences that shaped its destiny.

A Buddhist temple which was constructed by King Sri Parakramabahu VI around 1415AD. A very calm and religious place. Most of the locals do their Buddhist rituals and considered... Read More as a sacred place which makes their wishes come true. One of the key attraction related to this temple is the annual Perahara which is colored with wonderful traditional dancing shoes and nicely dressed elephants.

Kotte Sri Rajamaha Viharaya is a revered Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the administrative capital of Sri Lanka. This temple holds immense historical and... Read More religious significance, being closely linked to the Kotte Kingdom, which flourished during the 15th century. It served as one of the main religious centers for the kingdom and played a pivotal role in the spread of Theravada Buddhism during that era. The temple’s history is intertwined with King Parakramabahu VI, the ruler of the Kotte Kingdom, who is credited with building the temple during his reign. The king’s efforts to promote Buddhism and his patronage of Buddhist institutions are reflected in the architecture and spiritual importance of Kotte Sri Rajamaha Viharaya. The temple stands as a monument to the Kotte era’s religious and cultural development, and its location is said to have once housed a segment of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha, making it a sacred site for Buddhists across the island. One of the most significant annual events hosted at the Kotte Sri Rajamaha Viharaya is the **Kotte Dalada Perahera**, a grand procession that takes place in honor of the Buddha’s sacred relic, specifically commemorating the historical connection the temple has with the **Sacred Tooth Relic**. The perahera is a magnificent spectacle of Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist devotion, drawing both devotees and spectators from far and wide. During the Kotte Dalada Perahera, elaborately decorated elephants, traditional drummers, dancers, and flame bearers parade through the streets in a ceremonial procession. The **Kapilavastu Relic**, which is enshrined in the temple, is carried in a beautifully adorned casket atop a majestic elephant, reminiscent of the ancient traditions of honoring the Tooth Relic. The perahera holds deep spiritual meaning for Buddhists, as it is a time for reflection on the Buddha’s teachings and an opportunity for the public to witness the rich cultural and religious heritage of Sri Lanka. The perahera is also a reminder of the time when the Sacred Tooth Relic was housed in Kotte, a period that marked the city’s prominence as a political and religious center. Beyond its religious events, Kotte Sri Rajamaha Viharaya is a tranquil place for meditation and worship. Its serene environment, coupled with the temple’s ancient architecture, allows visitors to step back in time and reflect on the rich history that shaped the Buddhist traditions in Sri Lanka.

Peaceful temple even though we went on a crowded vesak day. Praying areas were smaller but had large grounds where people could roam and sit. They were clean and well... Read More maintained. Also liked that there were praying areas for some other faiths as well. Parking was the only issue.

There are few PET plastic collection bins. Devotees should practice to drop their PET waste into the correct bins. That will great help to the environment.

Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya – A Temple Rich in History Situated in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya is another ancient Buddhist temple with deep historical roots. It played an important role... Read More during the Kotte Kingdom period and continues to be a significant religious site today. The temple’s stupa, image house, and beautifully sculpted statues create an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility. Many locals visit this temple for meditation and religious observances, making it a perfect place for those seeking inner peace.

Nice place. The big monk is sincere and friendly. We went to take photos with the Kotte Raja elephant.

Very famous Buddhist temple on Kotte, Sri Lanka. This temple dates back to the Kotte kingdom. Old buildings and stone pillars are still can be seen of you visit the... Read More temple. It's protected by the archeological department

A historic Buddhist temple situated in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Western province, Sri Lanka. It is located near to the historic building Pita Kotte Gal Ambalama at the Pita Kotte junction on Kotte road. The temple has been... Read More formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 17 May 2013 under the government Gazette number 1811. ☺️☺️😊😊

A very beautiful temple.

Sacred temple and holy place for Buddhists ☸️

Ancient Buddhist Temple and archeological site situated in the capital of Srilanka. Calm and Charming environment for religious activities.

The history of Kotte Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the Kingdom of Kotte. During the reign of King Parakumbha VI (1415-1467) the construction of the temple was begun and... Read More completed in all aspects with the royal patronage. King built the temple closer to his royal palace, to doing the necessary duties to the Sangha community. During the Dutch presence in the country Kotte temple was completely destroyed by them. The temple was re-established in 1818 after the destroyed temple was found out by Ven. Pilane Buddha Rakkitha thero. However most of the constructions and artifacts of the original temple had been destroyed and taken away by the foreigners leaving only a few ruins at the place. It is said that only some ruins of the present Stupa, parts of Katharagama Devalaya, and some stone pillars were remained in the Vihara premises.

An ancient temple in kotte