Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara

The Buddhist monastery features a 156-foot-tall stupa with a circumference of 550 feet, constructed from bricks on a granite platform.

The temple originated in the 2nd century BC as Silapassa Pirivena under King Kavan Tissa, serving as a major Buddhist educational center until the 11th century.

The monastery became the largest Buddhist institution in southern Sri Lanka, managing over 18,000 acres of land between the 3rd and 5th centuries.

The temple requires visitors to cover shoulders and knees, remove footwear at the entrance, and morning visits offer less crowded conditions.

The stupa's pinnacle contains a red gem from Bohemia, installed during the 1900 restoration project.

Location: Southern Province

GPS coordinates: 6.27944,81.29028

Latest update: March 3, 2025 18:07