Historical background
One of the three sacred sites blessed by the Buddha himself on his visits to Sri Lanka, according to the Mahavamsa chronicle. The present-day temple was largely rebuilt in the 18th and 20th centuries.
Religious significance
The most accessible of the three Buddha-blessed sites and home to the spectacular Solias Mendis murals that depict the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Architecture
A whitewashed image house rebuilt in stages between the 18th and 20th centuries, celebrated for the Solias Mendis murals (1927–1946) depicting the arrival and history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. A sacred bo tree grows in the outer courtyard.
Historical timeline
- 500 BCE (traditional)Site of the Buddha's third visit to Sri Lanka.
- 18th centuryRebuilt after Portuguese-era destruction.
- 1927–1946Solias Mendis murals painted.
Cultural importance
Host of the Duruthu Perahera every January — Sri Lanka's second-largest Buddhist procession, marking the Buddha's first visit to the island.
Visitor experience
Easily combined with a Colombo city tour. The Duruthu Perahera in January is the second-largest Buddhist procession in Sri Lanka.
Things to do
- ✦View the Solias Mendis murals
- ✦See the standing Buddha image
- ✦Walk through the bo tree courtyard
Visitor information
Interesting facts
- ✦The temple's history extends back more than 2,500 years according to Buddhist tradition.
- ✦Lord Buddha is believed to have visited Kelaniya during His third visit to Sri Lanka.
- ✦The original stupa is believed to enshrine the Gem-Studded Throne presented by the Naga kings.
- ✦Destroyed during the Portuguese occupation and later rebuilt under royal patronage.
- ✦The murals by Solias Mendis are considered among Sri Lanka's finest examples of Buddhist mural art.
- ✦Every January the temple hosts the spectacular Duruthu Maha Perahera.
