Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya, Buddhist temple in Dikwella, Sri Lanka
Wewurukannala Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Dikwella featuring a 50-meter-tall seated Buddha statue as its main centerpiece. The complex is divided into different sections including shrines and meditation spaces that together form a complete religious site.
The oldest part of the temple dates to the reign of King Rajadhi between 1782 and 1798. The structure reflects the religious practices that were maintained during that period of the Kandyan Kingdom.
The temple walls display hundreds of paintings depicting scenes from Buddha's life and stories from the Jataka tales. These artworks teach religious lessons through colorful, handcrafted depictions that visitors experience directly.
The temple is about 190 kilometers from Colombo and 25 kilometers from Matara, accessible via the main road through Dikwella. Visitors should plan to spend time exploring all areas, as the complex is spread out and several staircases lead to the Buddha statue.
Visitors pass through a Tunnel of Hell featuring life-sized models depicting different forms of suffering before reaching the main Buddha statue. This surprising element gives the journey to the top an intense spiritual dimension.
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