Description

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the most venerated Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, located just 11 km northeast of Colombo on the banks of the Kelani River. According to Buddhist chronicles, the Buddha himself visited this site during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka, and sat on a throne of gems brought to him by the Naga King. The temple's origins date back to the 3rd century BC. Its architecture is stunning, featuring a dagoba, image house, and Bo Tree shrine, all adorned with exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Jataka stories and Sri Lankan history. The annual Duruthu Perahera festival here is one of the grandest processions in the country.