Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya

Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in a suburb south of Colombo featuring meditation halls, ritual spaces, and a main shrine with Buddhist statues and religious artifacts. The grounds contain several structures and areas designed for different spiritual activities and community gatherings.

The temple was established in 1850 when monk Thengodagedara discovered the sacred site while traveling by boat along the Katu-ela stream. This discovery marked the beginning of its development as an important Buddhist center.

This place serves as a spiritual center for the local Buddhist community, where visitors observe daily rituals and prayer practices. The site reflects how religious traditions continue to shape the rhythm of everyday life in the neighborhood.

The temple is located about 12 kilometers south of central Colombo and welcomes visitors during regular hours with parking available for cars. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and remove shoes before entering sacred areas of the complex.

The temple grounds house one of 32 original Bodhi saplings from the ancient Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. This tree holds deep spiritual significance for visiting devotees and represents an important connection to Buddhist heritage.