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

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.

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.

Sacred temple and holy place for Buddhists ☸️

Calm and quite place with peaceful environment. You can relax your mind in the middle of busy commercial capital.

One of the Oldest temple in Sri Lanka..

This 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.

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.

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. ☺️☺️😊😊

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.

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.

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 under construction during my visit, so the place should become even nicer soon!

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....

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

Kotte 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.

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 Raja (elephant) bathing or having a snack.

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

I also performed sri dalada perahera kotte . Its very interesting .