Muhudu Maha Vihara

History and Significance of the Temple

Steeped in history, the Muhudu Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple with over 2000 years of history. The temple is found on the sand dunes of Pottuvil and the beautiful white stupa can be seen all the way from Arugam Bay beach. It is believed that the location of the temple is where Princess Devi, from the Kelaniya kingdom, landed after her father was forced to sacrifice her to appease the gods after a tsunami. Princess Devi arrived in the Ruhuna kingdom and married its king, King Kavan Tissa; the princess is better known as Viharamahadevi, mother of the fabled King Dutugamunu. The temple is definitely an interesting place to visit, especially if you’re a history buff.

What You Can Expect

Along with the stupa, there are stone statues of the Buddha that surround the stupa, as well as two statues of either kings or gods. However, many of the ruins and artefacts are buried under the sand, nevertheless, this temple is an important site for Buddhists and you should visit it when you’re in the Arugam Bay region.