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
28°
Fair
06:0418:19 +0530
Feels like: 34°C
Wind: 2km/h SE
Humidity: 89%
Pressure: 1010.16mbar
UV index: 1

Tour Map

Gallery

  • one of the historic temples in Sri Lanka at kotte... has a long history behind his existence... and has a rich culture built in with so many traditions....

    Nandun Kahandawa Avatar Nandun Kahandawa
    April 25, 2024

    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 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

    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
  • 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

    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
  • A Historical Buddhist temple in Colombo suburbs.

    Gayan Anuradha Avatar Gayan Anuradha
    April 25, 2023

    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

    Roshan Sanjaya Thrimanna Avatar Roshan Sanjaya Thrimanna
    April 25, 2019
  • 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

    A very beautiful temple.

    Björn Krafft Avatar Björn Krafft
    April 25, 2022
  • 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 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
  • Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya. Very old Buddhist Temple in Sri jayawardhanapura Kotte. Very beautiful Annuel pageant held every year in September month. Upasampada Pinkama also take place annually Near to temple there are very old... Read More

    prasad chaminda Avatar prasad chaminda
    September 25, 2024

    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

    Oshada Gunasekara Avatar Oshada Gunasekara
    December 25, 2024
  • It is a historical temple located near Colombo. Its old inage house has a lot of Kandyan style mural paintings. The new chapter house also looks beautiful. However the temple... Read More

    Sydney Ranjith Avatar Sydney Ranjith
    November 25, 2024

    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
  • This is one of the great place which shows the religious similarity. Because in ancient Kingdom of Kotte, both temple and church was there in same place. Buddhist monks allowed... Read More

    Roshan Priyashantha Avatar Roshan Priyashantha
    April 25, 2020

    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
  • 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

    Calm and quite place with peaceful environment. You can relax your mind in the middle of busy commercial capital.

    Piyori Niranjan Obergfell Cooray Avatar Piyori Niranjan Obergfell Cooray
    April 25, 2023
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