Kelani Viharaya
Situated some 9 miles (north east) of Colombo proper, you will find that it is relatively easy to get to Kelaniya. Although there are other things which you might want to see, the main attraction in Kelaniya it has to be said is the Kelaniya Buddhist temple.
The Kelani Vihara grounds as they stand now, are a little dilapidated, a little careworn and much in use by the many Buddhists who flock to this ancient temple. Although the temple buildings themselves aren’t what could truly be considered to be ancient there is no denying that the historic significance of Kelaniya dates back to Gautama Buddha’s time (6th century B.C.).
It is no secret that Buddha came to the isles of Lanka three times doing his lifetime.
During these three visits he set foot in sixteen different places and in doing so sanctified these places for Buddhists to come to in future times.
It was during his third (and last) visit to Lanka that Buddha came to Kelaniya at the behest of the Naga King Mani Akkhitha – මණි අක්ඛිත.
This is of course the main reason why Buddhists from all over Lanka flock to this temple.
However, you will find that if you dig deep enough there are other reasons as well which go into making Kelaniya an important place in the hearts of the people of Lankawa.
These we will look at in this, and in other sections which you can find in the “More Information” box on the right-hand side of the screen.
It should also be noted here that Kelaniya is also known to be the main seat of Vibhishana Deviyo (විභීෂණ දෙවියෝ). His main Devalaya (දේවාලය) – temple – is in the Kelani Vihara area.
Kelani Viharaya sinhala
ebook available for download
Click here for the full Kelani Viharaya sinhala version ebook in PDF (approx. 600 Kb)
More Information
A short look at the history of the Kelani Viharaya and its significance in the lives of Sinhala Buddhist people.
>> Kelani PeraheraTake a look at the Kelani Perahera.
