Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya, Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka, set on a hill called Bahirawakanda and visible from many parts of the city. At its summit stands a large white Buddha statue depicted in the Dhyana Mudra posture, the seated meditation pose.
The temple grounds were given to a monk named Ven. Ampitiye Dammarama Thero in the early 1970s by government minister Hector Kobbekaduwa, who handed over the land on Bahirawakanda hill. After some disputes with nearby monasteries over the site, a chief monk secured legal ownership in the 1980s, and the Buddha statue was completed in 1992 before the temple officially opened in early 1993.
The temple belongs to the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and draws both worshippers and visitors throughout the day. Walking through the grounds, you can see small stupas and prayer areas that locals use for daily devotion.
The temple sits on Bahirawakanda hill, just a short walk or drive from central Kandy, making it easy to reach from most parts of the city. Early morning or late afternoon visits tend to be quieter, and the light at those times gives a clearer view over the city and surrounding hills.
The hill's name, Bahirawakanda, roughly translates as 'gnome mountain' in the local language, and the site carries folklore that has been passed down through generations in the area. This gives the hill a layer of local legend that goes well beyond its role as a place of worship.
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