Buddhist sites in Kurunegala

Buddhist Heritage

Kurunegala, a former royal capital, preserves a rich Buddhist legacy through diverse religious architecture. This collection highlights the 88-foot Ethugala Buddha overlooking the city, the historic Ridee Vihara cave complex dating to the 2nd century BC, and the modern granite-carved masterpiece at Rambadagalla. From unique "Tempita" temples built on stone pillars to the central monastery of the Mahamevnawa movement, these sites showcase artistic traditions spanning the Anuradhapura, Kandyan, and contemporary eras.

Buddhist Heritage — Map

A

Lord Buddha Statue (Ethugala)

An 88-foot-tall white seated statue situated atop the 316-meter Ethugala (Elephant Rock), offering panoramic views across the city.

B

Ridee Vihara Stupa

Part of the 2nd-century BC "Silver Temple" complex, built where silver ore was discovered to fund the Great Stupa in Anuradhapura.

C

Rambadagalla Sri Monaragala Viharaya

A temple complex featuring a massive Samadhi Buddha statue carved directly into a granite rock face, reaching 67.5 feet in height.

D

Mahamevnawa Asapuwa Polgahawela

The headquarters of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, featuring the Siri Gautama Sambuddharaja Maligawa, a grand temple decorated with intricate modern carvings.

E

Bamabaragala Purana Rajamaha Viharaya

Ancient cave temple featuring traditional Kandyan-style murals and inscriptions dating back to the early Anuradhapura period.

F

Viharegama Rajamaha Viharaya

Historic Buddhist temple with roots in the Kandyan era, serving as a regional center for religious ceremonies and traditional education.

G

Ahugoda Tempita Purana Viharaya

Features a traditional "Tempita Viharaya" architecture, where the wooden image house is constructed on raised stone pillars.

H

Rangala Raja Maha Viharaya

Ancient temple complex known for its rock-cut features and historical association with the regional kings of the Kurunegala kingdom.

I

Sri Maliyadeva Arahantha Maha Viharaya

A religious site dedicated to Arahant Maliyadeva, traditionally regarded as the last monk in Sri Lanka to have attained enlightenment.

J

Monaragala Vihara Buddha Statue

A 67.5-foot granite statue carved into the living rock, inspired by ancient Bamiyan sculptures and completed in the early 21st century.

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