Religious
The culture of Sri Lanka has always been shaped by the hands of religion. Sri Lanka is home to many different groups of people, and amongst them, there are four main religions being practiced. Buddhism is the main religion, which was introduced to the island in the third century BC. Along with the rich culture and tradition in the country comes fascinating architecture. Below are a few astonishing places of worship and of religious significance that you should definitely visit when in Sri Lanka.
The Sacred City of Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka. During this era, Buddhism was introduced to the country. Sites of worship created in the period such as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya are still venerated by devotees.
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred bo tree in the Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is the southern branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Buddha attained Enlightenment. It was planted in 288 BC and is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a […]
The Samadhi Buddha is a famous statue situated at Mahamevnāwa Park in Anuradhapura. The Buddha is depicted in the position of the Dhyana Mudra, the posture of meditation associated with his first Enlightenment.
The Ruwanweli Maha Seya, also known as the Mahathupa (the Great Thupa) is a stupa (a hemispherical structure containing relics) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Thuparamaya is the first Buddhist temple that was constructed, after the arrival of mahinda thero in Sri Lanka. Located in the sacred area of Mahamewna park.
King Valagamba built the magnificent Lankaramaya during the Anuradhapura era. The massive ‘’Ath Pokuna’’ or the Elephant Pond which is located in close proximity to Lankaramaya
Isurumuniya is a Buddhist temple situated near to the Tissa Wewa (Tisa tank) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. There are carvings of special interest in this Vihara.
Abhayagiri Vihāra was a major monastery site of Mahayana, Theravada and Vajrayana Buddhism that was situated in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Glorious Tooth Temple) is a Buddhist temple in Kandy. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy.
Matale Alu Viharaya, which is also known as Aluvihare Rock Temple, is believed to have been built by King Devanampiyatissa after embracing the peaceful teachings of Buddhism.
The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya. It is located 11 km north-east of Colombo.
Gangaramaya Temple is not only one of the most beautiful but also one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.
It is one of only a few hollow Buddhist stupas in the world and its interior contains 74 murals, each depicting a different aspect of the Buddha’s life.
Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada is a 2,243 m high an incredibly beautiful conical mountain in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Buddhist believe the impression on the summit is the footprint of lord Buddha himself.
Kataragama is a pilgrimage town sacred to Buddhist, Hindu and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. People from South India also go there to worship.
Koneswaram Kovil is one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple lies on a high rocky promontory surrounded on three sides by the sea.
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan or Kataragama Deviyo. It is located in Nallur, in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.