



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
If you are interested in the history and fully fledged culture of Sri Lanka, you might want to visit the Kotte Rajamaha Vihara, a historic Buddhist temple situated in Sri... Read More Jayawardenepura Kotte, the administrative capital of the country. The temple is located near the Pita Kotte junction on Kotte road. The Kotte Rajamaha Vihara dates back to the 15th century, when it was built by King Parakramabahu VI, who ruled the Kingdom of Kotte from 1410 to 1467. The king constructed the temple near his royal palace, to offer his patronage and support to the Sangha community. Moreover, the temple also hosts an annual perahera (procession) in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is held in August or September. The perahera features elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers, who parade along the streets of Kotte with colourful costumes and decorations. The Kotte Rajamaha Vihara is a place where you can experience the rich heritage and spirituality of Sri Lanka. It is open daily, and admission is free. You can also make donations or offerings to support the temple and its activities. If you visit the temple, make sure to dress modestly and respectfully, and remove your shoes before entering any building. You can also join the devotees in chanting, meditating, or offering flowers and incense to the Lord Buddha.
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 also exists in history as a place where Dalada was taken care.I recommend to visit this temple it will give pleasure to your mind.
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 of this temple. There are so many flower shops in front of the temple. Usually get crowded on poya days. If you travel by your own vehicle, parking facility is there inside and outside the temple.
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 chiristian prists to start the church in temple land. Buddhist monks looked after Christian prists during the defficult era. But today will anyone trust these incident.
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.
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.
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.
Ancient Buddhist Temple and archeological site situated in the capital of Srilanka. Calm and Charming environment for religious activities.
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 is significant for its architectural beauty and its historical importance. It has served as a major religious and cultural center over the centuries and continues to be a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists.
A historic Buddhist temple situated in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Western province, Sri Lanka. It is located near to the historic building Pita Kotte Gal Ambalama at the Pita Kotte junction on Kotte road. The temple has been... Read More formally recognised by the Government as an archaeological site in Sri Lanka. The designation was declared on 17 May 2013 under the government Gazette number 1811. ☺️☺️😊😊
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.
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.

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