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

  • Sacred temple and holy place for Buddhists ☸️

    Yohan Ranathunga Avatar Yohan Ranathunga
    April 25, 2024

    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

    Roshan Sanjaya Thrimanna Avatar Roshan Sanjaya Thrimanna
    April 25, 2019
  • 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.

    Asitha Dharshana Avatar Asitha Dharshana
    April 25, 2021

    Ample parking space is there. Everything seems to be well managed there. Lots of shade gives cool atmosphere though scorching sun rays fall on. Very pleasant feelings are there with... Read More

    Lasantha Niroshan Avatar Lasantha Niroshan
    April 25, 2020
  • A very beautiful temple.

    Björn Krafft Avatar Björn Krafft
    April 25, 2022

    Wonderful Temple with king generous knowledgeable Monks. plenty of parking. There's a lot of animals roaming free around the grounds. Peceful. 1000's of parrots come to rest in the evening.

    Daham Amarasinghe Avatar Daham Amarasinghe
    April 25, 2024
  • 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

    Ch Creation Moratuwa Avatar Ch Creation Moratuwa
    March 28, 2025

    The former Capital city of srilanka . Ancient and famous Bubbies temple . Kotte rajamaha viharaya..

    Ruwan Peiris Avatar Ruwan Peiris
    April 25, 2020
  • Calm and quite place with peaceful environment. You can relax your mind in the middle of busy commercial capital.

    Piyori Niranjan Obergfell Cooray Avatar Piyori Niranjan Obergfell Cooray
    April 25, 2023

    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

    Ravindu Ranaweera Avatar Ravindu Ranaweera
    April 25, 2019
  • One of the Oldest temple in Sri Lanka..

    Isuru Bathiya Avatar Isuru Bathiya
    April 25, 2018

    Temple has been built during the kotte period with the royal patronage and venerated by the royal court. The temple completed in all aspects described in details in the poetic... Read More

    Shehan Ransara Avatar Shehan Ransara
    April 25, 2019
  • Very 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

    Natalya de Silva Avatar Natalya de Silva
    April 25, 2024

    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

    Movindu Shenai Avatar Movindu Shenai
    December 25, 2024
  • Nice place. The big monk is sincere and friendly. We went to take photos with the Kotte Raja elephant.

    Pasindu Ranasinghe Avatar Pasindu Ranasinghe
    October 25, 2024

    An ancient temple set in a vast area. Calm peaceful and holy place. People can perform their religious activities at leisure. If you are lucky you can see the Kotte... Read More

    Nilumi Perera Avatar Nilumi Perera
    April 25, 2021
  • 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

    Leon Mudalige Avatar Leon Mudalige
    April 25, 2024

    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

    Thilanka D Avatar Thilanka D
    March 25, 2025
  • Ancient Buddhist Temple and archeological site situated in the capital of Srilanka. Calm and Charming environment for religious activities.

    Dulaj Liyanage Avatar Dulaj Liyanage
    January 25, 2025

    Peaceful and calm temple located in Kotte. I went here recently in Poson Poya Day after long years. Kotte Raja Maha Vihara is a historic buddhist temple located in Sri... Read More

    Ravindu Anagiyadda Avatar Ravindu Anagiyadda
    April 25, 2024