Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya at Badulla

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Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya is situated in the heart of the bustling city of Badulla, in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province. While the temple itself dates back to the time of the Buddha, the broader Badulla region—especially the Uva area—has an even more ancient history, believed to stretch back to the 19th–18th century BCE. According to legend, during this early period, the powerful King Ravana ruled the island, establishing Badulla as his capital. It is also believed that the epic battle between Rama and Ravana, described in the Indian epic Ramayana, took place in this region. Place names such as Seetha Eliya, Seetha Kotuwa, and Ravana Ella lend credence to these traditions. Eventually, after Ravana’s defeat, Vibishana is said to have shifted the capital to Kelaniya. The prominence of Uva faded into history until around the 5th century BCE.

Visit of the Buddha and the Origin of the Stupa

In the eighth year following his Enlightenment, the Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the third time, accompanied by 500 Arhants, upon the invitation of Naga King Maniakkika of Kelaniya. During the same visit, the Buddha also traveled to Badulla, accepting an invitation from Deva King Indaka, the ruler of the Namunukula Mountain Range, who is now revered as a deity. At the location where the Buddha preached his sermons, King Indaka constructed a stupa enshrining Hair Relics and Mukthaka Dathu (drops of sweat that turned into pearls) of the Buddha. This marks the origin of the Muthiyangana Stupa. Over the past 2,500 years, the stupa and surrounding temple complex have been expanded and renovated by many kings. Today, the Muthiyangana Stupa holds the distinguished 7th position among the Solosmasthana—the sixteen most sacred Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka.

The Unique Entrance Arch (Thorana)

The temple entrance features a striking Thorana (archway) of unknown antiquity, consisting of six distinct levels:

The first level forms the main entrance.
Above it, the second level displays a typical Makara (dragon) head flanked by two guardian figures and lion figures at the corners.
On the third level, two Vamana (dwarf) figures and possibly two lions are depicted, although they are less distinct than those on the second level. At the center of this level rises a pedestal that extends to the fourth level.
The fourth level includes two elaborately adorned bulls with prominent humps—a feature associated with Hindu symbolism, indicating possible Hindu influence.
At the fifth level, a seated Buddha statue is positioned.
Finally, the sixth level is topped with two peacocks, completing the ornamental structure.

Main Image House and Deity Statues

Entering the temple, visitors first encounter the main Image House, fronted by a colorful Makara Thorana. Just below the dragon’s head, a statue of Maithree Bodhisattva is enshrined. To the right of the entrance stands a statue of Deity Indaka, protector of the temple and the Namunukula Mountain Range. On the opposite side is another statue of Maithree Bodhisattva.

The Stupa and Its Evolution

Beyond the image house lies the most sacred structure of the temple—the stupa that enshrines the Buddha’s hair relics and Mukthaka Dathu. The original stupa, built by Deity Indaka in the 5th century BCE, was later enlarged by King Devanampiyatissa (250–210 BCE) during the Anuradhapura period. Over centuries, many other rulers contributed to its development. The moonstones at the stupa’s entrances exhibit the artistic craftsmanship of the Anuradhapura era.

The current stupa, rebuilt in 1956 over the decaying original, stands 65 feet high and has a diameter of approximately 270 feet.

Other Image Houses

Behind the main image house is the Center Image House (Mada Vihara Ge), which underwent extensive renovations during the 1960s and 1970s. These changes unfortunately erased much of its original character and historical charm.

Further on is the Sath Sathi Vihara Ge, considered the oldest image house at the site. Its last known renovation was in 1935, and it currently stands in a relatively dilapidated condition.

The Bodhi Trees

Historically, the temple had seven Bodhi trees, although only three remain today:

Maliyadeva Bodhi – The first tree encountered by visitors. This sacred spot is believed to be where Maliyadeva Thero, regarded as the last Maha Rahath (Great Arahant) of Sri Lanka, delivered sermons during his stay at Muthiyangana.
Ananda Bodhi – A sapling brought from Jetavanarama in India.
Dethis Maha Bodhi Tree – The most significant and the oldest among them, located near the Sath Sathi Vihara Ge. It is one of the original 32 saplings (Dethis Maha Bodhi) that came from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura and was planted by King Devanampiyatissa. In addition to its ancient protective railing (Bodhigara), a modern gold-plated fence now encircles the tree.

Dethispala Sri Maha Bodhi - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

List of kings who contributed to the Muthiyangana Vihara - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Buddha Statues in the 'Meda Vihara Ge' - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

A side door of the main Image House - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Maliyadeva Bodhi - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Colourful Makara Thorana and the Maithree Bodhisattva at the entrance of the Main Image house - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya in Badulla, Sri Lanka

A brief description of the Temple - Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Thorana at the Entrance of Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

'Meda Vihara Ge' and the Maliyadeva Bo Tree at the rear -Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Ananda Bodhi - Brought from Jethavanarama - India -Mutiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Also See

Solosmasthana – The Sixteen Buddhist Sacred Sites hollowed by Buddha
Dethis Pala Bodhi Trees in Sri Lanka

Map of Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

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Travel Directions to Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya

Route from Colombo to Muthiyangana Viharaya	Route from Kandy to Muthiyangana Viharaya
Through : Ratanapura – Balangoda – Haputale – Bandarawela – Hali Ela – Badulla Distance : 220 km Travel time : 5-6 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Mahaweli Raja Mawatha (B492) – loggal Oya Juction – Meegahakivula Distance : 120km Travel time : 2.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map