



The history of Kotte Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the Kingdom of Kotte as described by the poetic literature (Sandesha Kavya) during the golden era of literature in the 15th Century. During the reign of King Parakramabahu VI (1415–1467), the construction of the temple was begun and completed in all aspects with the royal patronage. There was a monastery at this location during the Kotte Period, but only a few stone pillars remain today. The temple features paintings from the early British
period, including one of Queen Victoria, along with other British influences. In 1887, the temple received a donation from the British Government to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and the modernizing of the paintings leading to the image house with a statue of the reclining Buddha were commissioned that same year. The temple has also been described in the poetic literature (Sandesha Kavya) of the era.
A squatting pan from the Kotte Period lies in the garden, and an old door frame with Dutch architectural features is fixed to an older building. Behind the temple, there is a laterite boulder adorned with the Makara Thorana (Dragon Gate). This site is the highest point in the area, which is why Sītāvaka Rājasiṁha camped here during his attack on the Kotte Fortress. Round stones, believed to have been used as cannonballs by the Portuguese to attack Rājasiṁha’s army, were found here.
During the Sinhala Kingdom, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was traditionally kept near the king's palace for protection. However, it was moved annually to a temple for public worship for three months. Kotte Rajamaha Vihara was where the Tooth Relic was kept during the Kotte Period. The stone pillars at the Vihara premises, as well as many artefacts in and the surrounding area going back to the 15th century, confirm the historical significance of the Kotte Rajamaha Vihara. Much before the Kandyan Sri Dalada Perahara, the historic parade of the Kotte Raja Maha Vihara has continued as an annual event from the 15th Century to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
Sunday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Monday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Tuesday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Wednesday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Thursday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Friday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Saturday : 8.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Temple has been built during the kotte period with the royal patronage and venerated by the royal court. The temple completed in all aspects described in details in the poetic... Read More literature( Sandesha Kavya) of the era. Prince sapumal has made a vow to the "Na" (iron wood) tree, prior to his departure to capture jaffna peninsula. The temple has been completely destroyed by Dutch and subsequently ven.Pilane Buddha Rakkitha in the year 1818 has rebuilt to include new sections and the temple was re established. Among the new constructions temple and the entrance doors are considered to be particular interests.
Very peaceful & Calm historical Buddist Temple.It is situated near Pitakotte Junction (Pita kotte Gal Ambalama). King Parakumbha VI built this temple & during the Dutch's time this temple... Read More was completely destroyed by them.After that in 1818 the temple was re established after the destroyed temple was found out by Ven.Pilane Buddha Rakkitha thero.
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.
The temple grounds exude a sense of peace with ancient trees, beautifully maintained gardens, and traditional architecture. The main shrine features intricate murals and Buddha statues that reflect the artistic... Read More and religious heritage of Sri Lanka. The presence of a sacred Bo Tree adds to the spiritual ambiance, drawing devotees and visitors alike for meditation and prayer.
Peaceful and calm temple located in Kotte. I went here recently in Poson Poya Day after long years. Kotte Raja Maha Vihara is a historic buddhist temple located in Sri... Read More Jayawardhenepura Kotte (Near the historical building calls Gal Ambalama at Pita Kotte Junction). Praying areas are bit smaller and its getting packed when crowded ( Specially on Poya Days). But the temple area is spreaded over a large area when people can find a place to sit and do prayers. Now there are large area for parking as the soceity has taken a land and reserved it for vehicle parking for total free.
The template has a separate worshiping area and an area for the monks to reside. The secret BO tree is in a separate location to the main template but with... Read More in walking distance. The main attraction is the centuries old Na tree and the Dadimunda Devalaya situated under the same. The place is well maintained. The template owns an elephant who is also kept in the back yard.
This is another ancient temple built by King Parakramabahu, the 6th of the Kotte kingdom. The original structures were completely destroyed by the Dutch, and the temple was rebuilt in... Read More 1818, under the instructions of Ven. Palane Buddharakkhitha thero. Today, there is a mix of both old and new buildings. There are many devala of different Hindu Gods. The temple was rather crowded, particularly in the devalas. At the very end of the temple is the shed where "Raja" the elephant resides. Vehicles can be parked on the wide street leading to the entrance of the temple.
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!
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.
The history of Kotte Raja Maha Vihara dates back to the Kingdom of Kotte. During the reign of King Parakumbha VI (1415-1467) the construction of the temple was begun and... Read More completed in all aspects with the royal patronage. King built the temple closer to his royal palace, to doing the necessary duties to the Sangha community. During the Dutch presence in the country Kotte temple was completely destroyed by them. The temple was re-established in 1818 after the destroyed temple was found out by Ven. Pilane Buddha Rakkitha thero. However most of the constructions and artifacts of the original temple had been destroyed and taken away by the foreigners leaving only a few ruins at the place. It is said that only some ruins of the present Stupa, parts of Katharagama Devalaya, and some stone pillars were remained in the Vihara premises.
Peaceful temple even though we went on a crowded vesak day. Praying areas were smaller but had large grounds where people could roam and sit. They were clean and well... Read More maintained. Also liked that there were praying areas for some other faiths as well. Parking was the only issue.
Kotte raja maha viharaya is the most famous temple in the 7th ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. It s the last place of worship where the tooth relic of Lord Buddha... Read More located before the kingdom of Kandy. The prince Sapumal visited this temple before conquering of Yapapatuna (Jaffna ).
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.
Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya – A Temple Rich in History Situated in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya is another ancient Buddhist temple with deep historical roots. It played an important role... Read More during the Kotte Kingdom period and continues to be a significant religious site today. The temple’s stupa, image house, and beautifully sculpted statues create an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility. Many locals visit this temple for meditation and religious observances, making it a perfect place for those seeking inner peace.

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