Kande Viharaya Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 4 km from Bentota Railway Station, Kande Viharaya is Buddhist Temple situated at Aluthgama. It is one of the treasured monuments of Sri Lanka and among the top places to visit in Bentota.

The temple has got its name 'Kande Vihara' meaning Mountain temple, as it is built on top of a hill. The temple was founded by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero in 1734, under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara Thero who was then chief incumbent of Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara. In 1904 the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, was attached to the temple. Renovated several times under state patronage, Kande Viharaya is today formally recognized as an archaeological site.

The most important attraction of the temple is the gigantic Buddha statue unveiled in 2007. At 160 feet tall, the statue depicting the Bhoomisparsha Mudra is the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world. Also, the temple comprises the Stupa, Bodhi Tree, Relic Chamber, Image House, Upulvan Devale and the other main Devalas including Kataragama and Pattini Devalaya. The 300 years old Bodhi Tree, preaching hall and the Seema Malaka are situated outside the Vihara premises. The Stupa has been built in a bell shape and erected within an octagonal Shelter.

The relic chamber of the temple is believed to be the oldest building in the temple premises. At the entrance of the chamber is sculptured with a stone moonstone and a door frame. Inner walls and the ceiling of the chamber have been adorned with Kandyan Era Frescoes. The image house of the temple is consisting of an inner chamber and an outer chamber. Inside the inner chamber three Buddha images in the standing, seated and sleeping postures can be seen. The walls and the ceilings of both chambers have been decorated with Jataka tales, life events of Buddha and various types of other murals.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free