Asgiri Maha Viharaya, Buddhist temple complex in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Asgiri Maha Viharaya is a temple complex with multiple structures and monastic residences north of Kandy Lake, serving as the main headquarters for the Siyam Nikaya Buddhist order. The grounds divide into three main sections: Purana Viharaya, Meda Pansala, and Aluth Viharaya, with the middle and newer temples constructed during the 1760s.
A commander named Siriwardhana established this site between 1305 and 1335 under King Parakramabahu IV, bringing monks from a hermitage community in Yapahuva to this location. The complex grew into a major seat of Buddhist authority and maintained this role for centuries.
The temple holds one of three custodial roles over the sacred Tooth Relic through its chief monk, making it a spiritual center for devout Buddhists from across the region. This responsibility shapes how people visit and reverence the place today.
Visitors can explore the three distinct temples, each with its own architecture and layout, making a tour of the entire grounds a gradual experience. It helps to allow time for each section, as moving between them involves small pathways and occasional steps.
The Adahana Maluwa area within the complex once served as the royal cremation site for Kandy's rulers and contained three distinct terraces for different ceremonial purposes. This location offers visitors a rare glimpse into historical practices tied to power transitions and mourning rituals.
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