Aluthgama Kande Viharaya | AmazingLanka.com

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Kande Viharaya - Aluthgama — Kande Viharaya – Aluthgama

Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama is a prominent Buddhist landmark established in 1734. It features a historic bell-shaped stupa, an 18th-century image house with intricate Kandyan murals, and a sacred 300-year-old Bo tree. Most notably, it is home to a monumental 160-foot seated Buddha statue, the tallest in Sri Lanka.

Kande Viharaya of Atulgama, in the Kalutara District, is a revered center of Buddhist worship, drawing devotees from across Sri Lanka and abroad.

Established around 1734 by Venerable Karapagala Dewamitta Thero on the advice of Venerable Udugama Chandrasara Thero—chief incumbent of Raja Maha Vihara, Galapatha, and a pupil of Venerable Welivita Saranankara Sangha Raja—the temple quickly became an important religious landmark.

Over the centuries, the temple has flourished under the guidance of seven Maha Theros, notably Venerable Pothuwila Sri Saranatissa Thero, whose contributions greatly enhanced its development.

Today, Kande Viharaya is under the chief incumbency of Venerable Batuwanhene Buddharakkhita Thero, the Chief Sangha Nayake of Kalutara District and Bentara Walallawita Korale.

Temple Layout and Sacred Structures

Khettarama Kande Vihare encompasses all the essential features of a traditional Buddhist temple. Within its grounds stand the Stupa, the sacred Bo Tree, the Relic Chamber, the Image House, the Sri Vishnu Maha Devala, and the four Maha Devalas, including the Kataragama Devala. Beyond the main premises lie the ancient Bo Tree, the Sri Saranatissa Memorial Dhamma Hall, and the Poya Seema, used for performing Vinaya Kamma.

The Stupa

The temple’s bell-shaped stupa is housed within an octagonal shelter. Its base features a molding of flower petals, above which rise three basal terraces supporting the dome. At the top sits the square enclosure, each corner adorned with a Bo leaf carving.

The earliest stupa at this site was built by Venerable Udugama Chandrasara Thero in the Buddhist year 2327. In 2479, Venerable Pothuwila Sri Saranatissa Nayaka Thero enclosed it within the present, larger stupa.

The Relic Chamber

The relic chamber is considered the oldest structure in the temple complex. Its entrance is marked by a stone moonstone and a carved stone doorframe.

Within the inner chamber rests the relic casket. The walls and ceilings are decorated with paintings dating from the latter part of the Kandyan period, displaying rich colors and intricate designs.

The Bo Tree

Over 300 years old, the sacred Bo Tree has long been a focal point for veneration. In the 1980s, it was enclosed by a square wall, which was later replaced by the present octagonal wall built by the current chief incumbent. The inner cells of the wall are adorned with sculptures depicting scenes from the bringing of the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling to Sri Lanka.

The Image House

Built in 1731, the image house is a striking structure with floral and creeper designs, three arched entrances, and an ornate thorana. It consists of an inner and outer chamber. The inner chamber contains Buddha images in standing, seated, and reclining postures, along with painted figures of Sravaka Theros. The door panels feature intricate designs such as Nava Nari Kungara, Sapta Nari Kesara, Nava Nari Vrishabha, and Saptha Nari Thuranga. The outer chamber’s ceiling and walls are covered in vibrant murals.

Devalas and Ritual Traditions

To the left of the outer chamber stands the shrine of God Vishnu, revered by both local and foreign devotees. It is customary for worshippers to first pay homage to the Buddha and then transfer merit to God Vishnu in hopes of receiving blessings. Paintings depicting the arrival of Prince Vijaya to Sri Lanka are also found here. The Kataragama Devala and the remaining Maha Devalas are located nearby.

Educational and Cultural Facilities

Kshetharama Maha Pirivena

Adjacent to the Bo Tree is the Saranatissa Dhamma Hall, which houses the Kshetharama Maha Pirivena, a renowned monastic educational institution founded in 1904. For centuries, it has contributed to Buddhist education and national service, and it continues to uphold this tradition today under the guidance of Venerable Yatadolawatte Ariyawansa Thero.

The Giant Buddha Statue Project

The temple’s most ambitious modern undertaking is the construction of Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha statue, standing at 107 riyans (160 feet) in the Bhoomisparsha Mudra posture. The foundation stone was laid on 10 November 2002. Designed to be seated on a lotus pedestal, the statue is accompanied by a shelter featuring religious paintings and sculptural depictions of key events. This monumental project is spearheaded by Venerable Batuwanhene Sri Buddharakkhitha Nayaka Thero and Venerable Yatadolawatte Ariyawansa Thero.

Source : Primary Source : www.slpost.gov.lk

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Travel Directions to Kande Viharaya – Aluthgama

Travelling south from Colombo towards Galle, one reaches the Kaluwamodara Bridge after passing Beruwala, approximately 59 kilometers (36 miles) from Colombo. After crossing the bridge, turn left and proceed about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) towards Kālawila to reach Kande Vihāraya. The journey from Colombo typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Kande Vihāraya, meaning “temple on the hill” (kanda), is situated prominently atop an elevated hill. The approach to the temple is lined with long rows of trees, creating a serene and visually pleasing pathway. These ծառ contribute to the tranquil atmosphere, offering a sense of calm and spiritual reflection for visiting pilgrims.

Due to its close proximity to the towns of Alutgama and Bēntota, the temple is also commonly referred to as Alutgama Kande Vihāraya or Bēntota Kande Vihāraya.

Route from Colombo to Kande Viharaya

Though : Panadura – Kalutara
Distance :60 km
Travel time : 1.15 hours.
Driving directions : see on google map