Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, Buddhist temple on Bahirawakanda Hill, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya is a Buddhist temple on Bahirawakanda Hill, notable for its white Buddha statue in meditation pose that stands approximately 27 meters tall and can be seen from many spots across Kandy. The complex includes a main shrine, meditation areas, and pathways that lead to a viewing platform positioned behind the statue.
Construction began in 1972 when Minister Hector Kobbekaduwa donated the land to monk Ven. Ampitiye Dammarama Thero of the Amarapura Nikaya. This donation established the site as a new spiritual center within Kandy's religious community.
The temple draws Buddhist practitioners who gather here daily to meditate and observe their faith. Visitors can witness these spiritual activities taking place throughout the grounds, making the religious life of the community visible and tangible.
Visitors should remove shoes at the entrance kiosk and wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees on the temple grounds. The climb to the shrine and viewing platform is steep, so comfortable footwear for the descent is important.
The viewing platform behind the statue offers sweeping views of Kandy's valley and surrounding hills, highlighting the temple's elevated position. On clear days, visitors can take in how the city spreads across the landscape, making it one of the best vantage points for understanding Kandy's geography.
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