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Weherahena Viharaya (වෙහෙරහේන විහාරය)

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Weherahena (also spelled Veherahena) is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site, especially popular among devotees traveling through southern Sri Lanka. While the temple does not hold ancient historical significance, its unique origin story and architectural marvel make it an intriguing destination. It is also claimed to be the largest and first tunnel temple in the world.

Humble Beginnings in the 20th Century

Though local legends suggest the site may have once been inhabited by arhat bhikkhus in ancient times, the temple’s modern history begins in the early 20th century. Most Venerable Parawahera Rewatha Thero was sent to the Weherahena area by his teacher as a form of disciplinary exile. At the time, the site was nothing more than a half-acre jungle-covered mound, with only a Bodhi tree present.

Arriving with just a blanket, a mattress, and a bowl, Ven. Rewatha Thero gradually gained the support of the local villagers. With their help, he built a small clay dwelling for himself—but soon envisioned a far greater mission: to construct the world’s largest seated Buddha statue and a tunnel temple, inspired by the tale from the Ummagga Jataka.

Vision Realized with National and International Support

The turning point came in 1939, when Anagarika Dharmapala, a central figure in the Buddhist revival movements of Sri Lanka and India, visited the site. He laid the foundation stone for the new temple, blessing the initiative with strong symbolic significance.

Work began with the excavation of a 600-foot tunnel through the mound. Once completed, efforts turned toward constructing the massive seated Buddha statue, which stands at 88 cubits (approximately 39 meters) in height. The statue was finally completed in 1976.

The walls of the tunnel were intricately adorned with vivid scenes from various Jataka stories, offering spiritual and visual storytelling to pilgrims who walk through it.

After the statue’s completion, a protective cover was constructed with the financial support of a Japanese donor.

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Travel Directions to Weherahena (Veherahena) Temple

Route from Colombo to Weherahena	Route from Matara to Weherahena
Through : Southern Highway – Galle – Matara distance :170 km Travel time : 3-3.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map	distance :7 km Travel time : 15 minutes Driving directions : see on google map

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