Kotte Rajamaha Vihara

Buddhist temple

Eco Friendly Environment

Secure Parking

Watching Time : 2 or 3 Hours

Amazing Experience

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.

Opening Hours

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

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, LK
25°
Fair
06:2318:23 +0530
Feels like: 25°C
Wind: 5km/h NNE
Humidity: 98%
Pressure: 1006.77mbar
UV index: 0

Tour Map

Gallery

  • I also performed sri dalada perahera kotte . Its very interesting .

    Shamila & Saranga Avatar Shamila & Saranga
    October 25, 2024

    Nice place. The big monk is sincere and friendly. We went to take photos with the Kotte Raja elephant.

    Pasindu Ranasinghe Avatar Pasindu Ranasinghe
    October 25, 2024
  • 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

    Ch Creation Moratuwa Avatar Ch Creation Moratuwa
    March 28, 2025

    An ancient temple in kotte

    Ranil Subasinghe Avatar Ranil Subasinghe
    October 25, 2024
  • Wonderful Temple with king generous knowledgeable Monks. plenty of parking. There's a lot of animals roaming free around the grounds. Peceful. 1000's of parrots come to rest in the evening.

    Daham Amarasinghe Avatar Daham Amarasinghe
    April 25, 2024

    Ancient Buddhist Temple and archeological site situated in the capital of Srilanka. Calm and Charming environment for religious activities.

    Dulaj Liyanage Avatar Dulaj Liyanage
    January 25, 2025
  • Ancient Buddhist temple made in Kotte era. Many Buddhists visit this temple which has a Nà bodhi which is believed to be the type of bodhi which would be used... Read More

    Anoj Thabrew Avatar Anoj Thabrew
    April 25, 2023

    The former Capital city of srilanka . Ancient and famous Bubbies temple . Kotte rajamaha viharaya..

    Ruwan Peiris Avatar Ruwan Peiris
    April 25, 2020
  • A Buddhist temple which was constructed by King Sri Parakramabahu VI around 1415AD. A very calm and religious place. Most of the locals do their Buddhist rituals and considered... Read More

    Pasindu Galgomuwa Avatar Pasindu Galgomuwa
    April 25, 2017

    A Historical Buddhist temple in Colombo suburbs.

    Gayan Anuradha Avatar Gayan Anuradha
    April 25, 2023
  • A famous historical temple in Pitakotte. Historical "Na Bodhiya" A lot of Buddhists are going to worship this place.

    Sanath Keerthisinghe Avatar Sanath Keerthisinghe
    April 25, 2024

    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

    Chanuka Nadun Avatar Chanuka Nadun
    April 21, 2025
  • One of the Oldest temple in Sri Lanka..

    Isuru Bathiya Avatar Isuru Bathiya
    April 25, 2018

    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

    Ravindu Ranaweera Avatar Ravindu Ranaweera
    April 25, 2019
  • 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

    Thushini Goonewardene Avatar Thushini Goonewardene
    September 25, 2024

    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

    Movindu Shenai Avatar Movindu Shenai
    December 25, 2024
  • 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

    Natalya de Silva Avatar Natalya de Silva
    April 25, 2024

    Simple and calm place, I went with my kids, respected Harmudurus guides me very well, I love majestic elephants in my country and very aware about kotte Raja, I passed... Read More

    Pragash Y Avatar Pragash Y
    April 25, 2021
  • One of the most historical temples in Sri lanka. Wonderfull place. You should be there in the evening, before sunset. millions of parrots visit there. amazing thing to see

    Navindra Chithral Avatar Navindra Chithral
    April 25, 2019

    There are few PET plastic collection bins. Devotees should practice to drop their PET waste into the correct bins. That will great help to the environment.

    Asitha Dharshana Avatar Asitha Dharshana
    April 25, 2021
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