Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara
Situated less than an hour away from the city of Kandy, on the road between Negombo and Peradeniya, the Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara is one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Sri Lanka. The temple was constructed in a manner that allowed it to take full advantage of its surrounding natural environment. It interweaves with the landscape, the walls moving in and out of the sculpted rock face, and one of the major themes of its architecture is its relationship with the earth. A large statue of a walking Buddha stands at the forefront of the temple, while a line of Buddhist monk statues follows close behind.
Unique Features
In addition to featuring typical characteristics of a Buddhist temple, the Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara encompasses forest trails, lined with trees and shrubbery, that lead to portrayals of Lord Buddha’s life inside the adjacent forest. The temple offers a tranquil environment for visitors of all backgrounds, religions and ethnicities to come together and meditate in pursuit of attaining mental peace and harmony.
A School to Reach Enlightenment
The Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara also conducts a Dhamma School for locals, which is considered an important part of the community services that are offered by the temple. The forest trails that lead to the depictions of Lord Buddha within the forest are used for educating the local Buddhist children who attend the temple.
