Atop Hanthana’s slopes stands Sandagiri Maha Viharaya a testament to modern Sri Lankan devotion.
Sandagiri Maha Viharaya is more than just a temple. It houses a colossal stupa the largest in the Kandy District. Construction began on January 27 2017 under the guidance of Buddhist monk Gangasiripura Dhammaloka Thera.
The stupa’s pinnacle was completed on March 28 2021. Auspicious objects were deposited on September 10 2022. This magnificent structure stands 33 meters high with a girth of 100 meters.
From its 930-meter elevation the terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views. You can see the Hanthana Mountain Range the cliffs of Katusukonda and Uragala and the Mahaweli Ganga River valley. It truly is a sight to behold.
The name Sandagiri itself is fascinating. “Giri” means hill or mountain. “Sanda” derived from Sanskrit “sandra” means thick or dense referring to a forest. Thus Sandagiri translates to forested mountain a fitting description for this majestic structure nestled amidst the hills.
The stupa’s design is also unique. It’s a cupola hall supported by a single central column shaped like a Bo Tree. Its branches spread across the ceiling a striking visual representation of the axis mundi. Unlike many ancient stupas this one has an accessible inner hall.
Sandagiri Maha Viharaya isn’t just a religious site. It’s a symbol of community effort. Public and private donations including those from the Path Nirvana Foundation made this ambitious project possible. It is a pilgrimage site attracting both local and foreign tourists.
This impressive temple complex is more than just a stupa. It’s a journey a testament to faith and a stunning viewpoint overlooking Kandy’s beauty. Remember Sandagiri Maha Viharaya as a place where faith and landscape meet in breathtaking harmony.