Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara, Buddhist temple in Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist monastery in southern Sri Lanka centered around a towering dome constructed on a granite foundation. The complex includes multiple shrine halls, meditation areas, and connected buildings arranged around the main sacred structure.
The monastery was established in the 2nd century BC and became a major center for Buddhist teaching in ancient times. The site underwent significant expansion and remained important for learning and worship for many centuries afterward.
The temple serves as a gathering place for local devotees during religious observances and daily worship throughout the year. Visitors can see people circumambulating the main structure and presenting flower offerings as part of their spiritual practice.
Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting, and remove your shoes before entering to show respect for the sacred space. Morning hours offer a quieter experience as the site becomes busier with visitors and worshippers as the day progresses.
The dome's uppermost point contains a red gemstone that was installed during extensive restoration work in the early 1900s. This rare jewel was brought from Europe and remains embedded in the sacred structure to this day.
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