Buddhism is a major religion in Sri Lanka, with over 70% of the population identifying as Buddhist. It is no surprise, therefore, that the country is home to numerous Buddhist temples, each with its own unique history, architecture, and cultural significance. In this article, we will explore the top 20 Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka that you must visit.
Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is located in the heart of Kandy and is one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka. It is said to house the tooth relic of the Buddha and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dambulla Cave Temple, Dambulla
The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a complex of five caves with over 150 Buddha statues and murals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mihintale, Anuradhapura
Mihintale is a mountain peak in Anuradhapura that is believed to be the site of the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. It is home to numerous temples, stupas, and monasteries, and is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Ruwanwelisaya, Anuradhapura
The Ruwanwelisaya is a stupa in Anuradhapura that was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC. It is considered one of the most important stupas in Sri Lanka and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jetavanaramaya, Anuradhapura
The Jetavanaramaya is another important stupa in Anuradhapura, built by King Mahasena in the 3rd century AD. It is said to be the tallest stupa in the world, standing at over 120 meters, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Thuparamaya, Anuradhapura
The Thuparamaya is one of the oldest stupas in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is believed to house the collarbone relic of the Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Abhayagiri Vihara, Anuradhapura
The Abhayagiri Vihara is a monastery complex in Anuradhapura that was built in the 1st century BC. It was once one of the largest monasteries in the world and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lankatilaka Temple, Kandy
The Lankatilaka Temple is a 14th-century temple in Kandy that is famous for its unique architecture, which combines Sinhalese and South Indian styles. It is also known for its large Buddha statue.
Gadaladeniya Temple, Kandy
The Gadaladeniya Temple is another 14th-century temple in Kandy that is known for its beautiful architecture and wood carvings. It is also home to a large Buddha statue.
Embekke Devalaya, Kandy
The Embekke Devalaya is a 14th-century temple in Kandy that is famous for its intricate wood carvings, which depict various scenes from Buddhist mythology.
Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo
The Gangaramaya Temple is a modern temple in Colombo that is known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles, which include Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences. It is also a centre for Buddhist education and cultural activities.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara,
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is an important Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka. According to legend, the temple was first established in the 3rd century BCE, during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, but it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times since then. The current temple was built in the 18th century and has been restored and renovated several times since then.
Kiri Vehera, Kataragama
The Kiri Vehera is a stupa located in Kataragama and is believed to have been built by King Mahasena in the 6th century AD. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is said to house a relic of the Buddha.
Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara, Trincomalee
The Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is a temple located in Trincomalee that is believed to have been built by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC. It is famous for its ancient ruins and beautiful sculptures.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Tissamaharama
The Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is a temple located in Tissamaharama that is believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is famous for its ancient stupas and ruins.
Isurumuniya Vihara, Anuradhapura
The Isurumuniya Vihara is a temple located in Anuradhapura that is famous for its rock carvings, which include the famous Isurumuniya Lovers. It is also home to a number of ancient stupas and ruins.
Sankapala Raja Maha Vihara, Jaffna
The Sankapala Raja Maha Vihara is a temple located in Jaffna that is believed to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is famous for its ancient ruins and sculptures.
Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya, Hambantota
The Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya is a temple located in Hambantota that is believed to have been built in the 2nd century BC. It is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is famous for its ancient stupas and ruins.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura
The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura that is believed to have grown from a branch of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is considered one of the oldest living trees in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sri Pada, Adam's Peak
Sri Pada, also known as Adam's Peak, is a mountain peak located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that is considered a holy site by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. It is famous for the Sri Pada, a sacred footprint that is believed to belong to the Buddha, and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka is home to numerous Buddhist temples that are rich in history, culture, and spirituality. These top 20 Buddhist temples are a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism or simply seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.
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