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
23°
Mostly Cloudy
06:1818:03 +0530
Feels like: 23°C
Wind: 8km/h NNE
Humidity: 88%
Pressure: 1009.82mbar
UV index: 0

Tour Map

Gallery

  • One of the historic buddhist temple located in the capital of Sri Lanka, built during the ancient Kotte kingdom. Calm and quite place. Annual perahera is one of key attraction... Read More

    Prasanna Dahanayaka Avatar Prasanna Dahanayaka
    April 25, 2018

    A very beautiful temple.

    Björn Krafft Avatar Björn Krafft
    April 25, 2022
  • 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

    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
  • Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, also known as Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the capital city of Sri Lanka. This historic temple... Read More

    Mayuri Karunarathna Avatar Mayuri Karunarathna
    August 25, 2024

    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
  • Sacred temple and holy place for Buddhists ☸️

    Yohan Ranathunga Avatar Yohan Ranathunga
    April 25, 2024

    One of the Oldest temple in Sri Lanka..

    Isuru Bathiya Avatar Isuru Bathiya
    April 25, 2018
  • 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

    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 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

    Thilanka D Avatar Thilanka D
    March 25, 2025

    Lovely yearly pageant. This is over 100 year s old

    Inuka Abayaratna Avatar Inuka Abayaratna
    April 25, 2020
  • Kotte temple can be called as a good religious place that is worth visiting.This temple holds a big procession every year with tuskers and elephants.Traditional And Historical Place.The Kotte temple... Read More

    Gihan Sandeep Avatar Gihan Sandeep
    April 25, 2023

    A Historical Buddhist temple in Colombo suburbs.

    Gayan Anuradha Avatar Gayan Anuradha
    April 25, 2023
  • Very famous Buddhist temple on Kotte, Sri Lanka. This temple dates back to the Kotte kingdom. Old buildings and stone pillars are still can be seen of you visit the... Read More

    Amila Ishantha Avatar Amila Ishantha
    April 25, 2021

    Ample parking space is there. Everything seems to be well managed there. Lots of shade gives cool atmosphere though scorching sun rays fall on. Very pleasant feelings are there with... Read More

    Lasantha Niroshan Avatar Lasantha Niroshan
    April 25, 2020
  • 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 Sri Rajamaha Viharaya is a revered Buddhist temple located in the ancient city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the administrative capital of Sri Lanka. This temple holds immense historical and... Read More

    Dilshan Gamage Avatar Dilshan Gamage
    September 25, 2024
  • 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

    Gayan Yasanuwan Avatar Gayan Yasanuwan
    April 25, 2021

    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
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