Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Buddhist temple complex in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple complex in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka, standing on raised ground near the Kelaniya River. The site includes several buildings such as image houses, a dagoba, and decorated ceremonial halls.

Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha visited Kelaniya in the eighth year after his enlightenment, and the Mahavamsa records that the original stupa enshrined the gem-studded throne on which he preached. The temple flourished under the Kotte kingdom, but the Portuguese destroyed the medieval temple in 1510. King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha later rebuilt it, and between 1927 and 1946 the present complex was constructed with patronage from Helena Wijewardene.

Wall paintings inside the buildings show episodes from the life of Buddha and scenes from Sri Lankan religious history, created by artist Solias Mendis. Many worshippers visit during full moon days, when ceremonies and prayers take place throughout the grounds.

Visitors should wear white or light-colored clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering the buildings. The grounds are open during daylight hours, and cooler mornings are a good time to visit.

The complex houses a stone statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara that reaches 5.5 meters (18 feet) in height. Each January, the site hosts the Duruthu Perahera, a procession with elephants and dancers.