Kelaniya Temple Sri Lanka
Kelaniya Buddhist Temple
Kelaniya Temple is a sacred Buddhist site in Sri Lanka, with origins that predate the recorded history of the island. It is believed to be the location of Lord Buddha’s third visit to Sri Lanka, as mentioned in the Mahawansa, where he was invited by King Maniakkika. During this visit, Lord Buddha arrived in Kelaniya with 500 arhats. The initial temple was said to have been built on the site where Lord Buddha preached the Dharma, enshrining the jeweled seat he sat on during his sermon in 543 B.C.
The temple underwent renovations by Prince Uttiya, the brother of King Devanampiyatissa, after the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in 307 B.C. This renovation included the construction of the first residential quarters for Buddhist monks, known as Sanghawasa. Throughout history, the temple faced destruction from Dravidian invaders, leading to the popular saying, “if Kelaniya falls, the country falls.” The Portuguese completely destroyed the temple in 1510, but it was reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in 1967. The temple we see today was initiated in 1927 and completed in 1946 under the patronage of philanthropist Mrs. Helena Wijewardene.
Kelaniya Temple is renowned for its Duruthu Maha Perehera procession held each January, as well as the paintings created by the famous local artist, Solias Mendis. The procession occurs on the eve of the full moon Poya day in January and features whip crackers, torch bearers, flag carriers, caparisoned elephants, dancers, trumpeters, drummers, and many other participants.
The temple showcases two distinct types of paintings: those from the Kandyan era and modern paintings by Solias Mendis, completed between 1927 and 1946. Situated along the banks of the Kelaniya River, the temple lies approximately 7 miles from Colombo and is accessible via the A1 main road that runs from Colombo to Kandy, as well as by railway.
