The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, a suburb of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This historic temple is one of the most significant and revered religious sites in the country. According to legend, it is believed to be one of the places visited by the Buddha during his third visit to Sri Lanka, around 500 BCE.
The temple is famed for its exquisite art and architecture, featuring intricate carvings and beautiful frescoes that depict various scenes from Buddhist lore and Sri Lankan history. One of the key highlights of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is the annual Duruthu Perahera, a grand procession held in January, which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists.
The temple complex includes the main shrine room, a stupa, and several other buildings dedicated to different aspects of Buddhist worship and study. The serene environment and the spiritual ambiance of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya make it a vital center for Buddhist practice and pilgrimage in Sri Lanka.