Located on top of a hill in Beruwela, Kanda Viharaya is one of the major Buddhist temples located on the island. The name Kande Viharaya translates to Mountain Temple and this name was given to the temple due to its iconic demography. Being an ancient site it is also regarded as a site of great historic significance and it is visited by pilgrims from around the island. Tourists are also welcome here and many visit the temple to witness its splendrous outlook and to enjoy the surreal ambience that surrounds the temple.
Historic evidence state that the temple was constructed in the year of 1734 under the patronage of Ven. Udugama Chandrasara Thero who was a chief religious figure in the island during his time.
Later during subsequent years, a Pirivena (an educational institution for monks) was established at the site of the temple and numerous monks were trained and educated here. In the year 2002, a foundation stone was laid for the construction of a massive statue of Lord Buddha projecting the Bhoomisparsha Mudra. After 5 years of work, the statue was opened for the public in 2007. Today the statue stands tall and strong facing the elements measuring, approximately 50 meters in height. This makes it one of the tallest sitting buddha statues in the world and it is indeed polarising to see up close!
The temple also houses a relic chamber, an image house, a sacred fig tree and a myriad of inner sanctums. The temple premises boasts a surreal ambience and even if you are not here for spiritual wisdom, you could feel your mind getting willed with positive aura and an inexplicable sense of relaxation. The sweet fragrances of insense further cleanse your senses and you would indeed feel your soul getting lighter. All in all, you would enjoy the experience that you get by exploring the temple and it will indeed become a memory that you will cherish!
