Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

protruding history, exquisite art and panoramic views

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

`` The sin of a life time Are all rendered null Once Kelaniya is worshiped, a single time. ``

Kelaniya through ages

History of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Kelaniya Temple believed to had been built in the era prior to the chronologically recorded history of Sri Lanka (since 543 B.C) was renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa following the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in 307 BC. According to the Mahawansa, King Devanampiyatissa’s brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. Prince Uttiya also built the first ever residential quarters of the Buddhist monks (Sanghawasa) there.

The ancient temple was destroyed many times and again by the Dravidian invaders from Southern India. Each time the temple had been reconstructed. The medieval temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 yet reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha. New Temple was initiated in 1927 and completed in 1946 under the patronage of philanthropist Mrs. Helena Wijewardene.
Furthermore the history of Kelaniya Temple is detailed in the following blog posts.

Section Header Chief Incumbent (Viharadhipati) of the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Most Ven. Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhita Mahathero

Most Ven. Professor Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Maha thera is the present Chief Incumbent (Viharadhipati )of the historic Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and Kitsirimevan Kelani viharaya.

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Section Header a place which nourishes young students with Dhmma Education

Sri Kalyani Dhamma School

Sri Kalyani Dhamma School was started in 1973 with the guidance of the then chief incumbent of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya Most Ven. Dr. Thalewela Wijita Dhammarakkhita Thera, with total number of 30 children.

Now the student population increased to 4000 heads and at the moment Sri Kalyani Dhamma School has a tutorial staff of 100 teachers. The classes are conducted both in Sinhala and English mediums.

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happening around the year

Events

Duruthu Perahera

Kelaniya

At this historic temple a procession known as "the Duruthu Perahera" is held on the pre-full moon poya day of the month of Duruthu (January) every year. On this occasion, hundreds and thousands of peo [...]

Official Website Launch

Kelaniya

The Official Web site launching ceremony of Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya is scheduled to be held on the forthcoming Saturday; 12th of September at 10.30 a.m. onwards at the main Assembly hall of temple [...]

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Blog

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