Kotte Rajamaha Vihara

Buddhist temple

Secure Parking

Watching Time : 2 or 3 Hours

Eco Friendly Environment
Amazing Experience
The history of Kotte Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the Kingdom of Kotte as described by the poetic literature (Sandesha Kavya) during the golden era of literature in the 15th Century. During the reign of King Parakramabahu VI (1415–1467), the construction of the temple was begun and completed in all aspects with the royal patronage. There was a monastery at this location during the Kotte Period, but only a few stone pillars remain today. The temple features paintings from the early British
period, including one of Queen Victoria, along with other British influences. In 1887, the temple received a donation from the British Government to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and the modernizing of the paintings leading to the image house with a statue of the reclining Buddha were commissioned that same year. The temple has also been described in the poetic literature (Sandesha Kavya) of the era.
A squatting pan from the Kotte Period lies in the garden, and an old door frame with Dutch architectural features is fixed to an older building. Behind the temple, there is a laterite boulder adorned with the Makara Thorana (Dragon Gate). This site is the highest point in the area, which is why Sītāvaka Rājasiṁha camped here during his attack on the Kotte Fortress. Round stones, believed to have been used as cannonballs by the Portuguese to attack Rājasiṁha’s army, were found here.
During the Sinhala Kingdom, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was traditionally kept near the king's palace for protection. However, it was moved annually to a temple for public worship for three months. Kotte Rajamaha Vihara was where the Tooth Relic was kept during the Kotte Period. The stone pillars at the Vihara premises, as well as many artefacts in and the surrounding area going back to the 15th century, confirm the historical significance of the Kotte Rajamaha Vihara. Much before the Kandyan Sri Dalada Perahara, the historic parade of the Kotte Raja Maha Vihara has continued as an annual event from the 15th Century to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
Opening Hours
Sunday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Monday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Tuesday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Wednesday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Thursday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Friday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Saturday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Tour Map
Gallery
-
A famous historical temple in Pitakotte. Historical "Na Bodhiya" A lot of Buddhists are going to worship this place.
Sanath Keerthisinghe
April 25, 2024Very peaceful and nice, has a historical significance (read about Kotte Kingdom before). There are 2 elephants living! And all in the middle of the city! One of the buildings was... Read More under construction during my visit, so the place should become even nicer soon!
Natalya de Silva
April 25, 2024 -
If you are interested in the history and fully fledged culture of Sri Lanka, you might want to visit the Kotte Rajamaha Vihara, a historic Buddhist temple situated in Sri... Read More Jayawardenepura Kotte, the administrative capital of the country. The temple is located near the Pita Kotte junction on Kotte road. The Kotte Rajamaha Vihara dates back to the 15th century, when it was built by King Parakramabahu VI, who ruled the Kingdom of Kotte from 1410 to 1467. The king constructed the temple near his royal palace, to offer his patronage and support to the Sangha community. Moreover, the temple also hosts an annual perahera (procession) in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is held in August or September. The perahera features elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers, who parade along the streets of Kotte with colourful costumes and decorations. The Kotte Rajamaha Vihara is a place where you can experience the rich heritage and spirituality of Sri Lanka. It is open daily, and admission is free. You can also make donations or offerings to support the temple and its activities. If you visit the temple, make sure to dress modestly and respectfully, and remove your shoes before entering any building. You can also join the devotees in chanting, meditating, or offering flowers and incense to the Lord Buddha.
Leon Mudalige
April 25, 2024Kotte Rajamaha Vihara is a beautiful ancient Buddhist temple and archaeological site right in the heart of Sri Lanka's capital but once you step inside, you’d never guess you're in... Read More such a busy area. It’s calm, peaceful, and has this really charming atmosphere that’s perfect for meditation or just a quiet moment to yourself. One of my favorite spots is under the Na Bodhi tree there's something truly serene about it. Even though the city buzzes around it, the temple grounds feel like a whole different world. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning. The vibe is extra peaceful then, and it’s a great way to start your day with some stillness and clarity. Definitely worth a stop if you're in or around Kotte.
Chanuka Nadun
April 21, 2025 -
Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya. Very old Buddhist Temple in Sri jayawardhanapura Kotte. Very beautiful Annuel pageant held every year in September month. Upasampada Pinkama also take place annually Near to temple there are very old... Read More ancient cave locate in Ananda Sastralaya M.V. premises.
prasad chaminda
September 25, 2024 -
Ruwan Peiris
April 25, 2020One of the historic buddhist temple located in the capital of Sri Lanka, built during the ancient Kotte kingdom. Calm and quite place. Annual perahera is one of key attraction... Read More of this temple. There are so many flower shops in front of the temple. Usually get crowded on poya days. If you travel by your own vehicle, parking facility is there inside and outside the temple.
Prasanna Dahanayaka
April 25, 2018 -
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.
Pasindu Galgomuwa
April 25, 2017A 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. ☺️☺️😊😊
M¡hiN_M¡ndula
April 25, 2022 -
Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, also known as Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the capital city of Sri Lanka. This historic temple... Read More is significant for its architectural beauty and its historical importance. It has served as a major religious and cultural center over the centuries and continues to be a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists.
Mayuri Karunarathna
August 25, 2024This is one of the great place which shows the religious similarity. Because in ancient Kingdom of Kotte, both temple and church was there in same place. Buddhist monks allowed... Read More chiristian prists to start the church in temple land. Buddhist monks looked after Christian prists during the defficult era. But today will anyone trust these incident.
Roshan Priyashantha
April 25, 2020 -
The Kotte Sri Rajamaha Viharaya, located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is a historic Buddhist temple with profound cultural and religious significance. Established during the reign of King Parakramabahu VI (1412–1467)... Read More of the Kotte Kingdom, it served as a center for Buddhist worship and learning. The temple played a vital role during this period, embodying the kingdom’s spiritual and architectural heritage. One of the temple’s most celebrated events is the Kotte Sri Dalada Perahera, a grand procession honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. During the Kotte Kingdom, the Tooth Relic was housed here temporarily, making the temple a revered site. The Perahera was a spectacular ceremonial event, showcasing elaborate rituals, traditional drumming, dancing, and beautifully adorned elephants. It was a significant cultural highlight, symbolizing the king’s devotion to Buddhism and the kingdom’s religious identity. Today, the Kotte Sri Dalada Perahera is revived annually, maintaining its grandeur and drawing crowds of devotees and tourists alike. It serves as a tribute to the temple’s historical legacy and keeps alive the traditions of the Kotte Kingdom. The vibrant event reflects Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry, blending history, religion, and artistry. In addition to the Perahera, the temple features remarkable architectural elements such as a majestic stupa, ancient stone carvings, and moonstones. Archaeological treasures, including inscriptions and frescoes, offer a glimpse into the craftsmanship and devotion of the Kotte era. The Kotte Sri Rajamaha Viharaya remains a spiritual haven and a historical landmark. Its peaceful ambiance and vibrant traditions, especially the Kotte Sri Dalada Perahera, make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
Movindu Shenai
December 25, 2024