Sri Anandabodi Viharaya

Gazing up at Sri Anandabodi Viharaya, have you ever wondered about the stories whispered within its serene walls? The official name of this temple is Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya. It’s a beacon of tranquility nestled in Bahirawakanda, about two kilometers from Kandy’s bustling heart. This majestic temple is renowned for its colossal Buddha statue, a sight that commands attention from nearly every vantage point in Kandy. Sri Anandabodi Viharaya isn’t just a place of worship. It represents a modern marvel, completed in 1993 by President Ranasinghe Premadasa. The giant Buddha statue, finished just a year prior, sits in the Dhyana Mudra. This is the symbolic pose of meditation linked to Buddha’s enlightenment. At 26.83 meters tall, it stands as one of Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha statues, a testament to the devotion that fueled its creation. The story of Sri Anandabodi Viharaya begins in the early 1970s. The land was a generous gift from Hector Kobbekaduwa, then Minister of Lands, to the Venerable Ampitiye Dammarama Thero, a monk of the Amarapura Nikaya. Initially, Dammarama Thero lived in a simple dwelling while he tirelessly gathered funds for the temple’s construction. The project, however, wasn’t without its challenges. The senior monks of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic voiced concerns, fearing the new temple might overshadow their own. Yet, through perseverance and the intervention of another influential monk, Hinatiyana Dhammaloka, the project continued. He successfully petitioned President Premadasa to formally grant the land to Dammarama Thero, solidifying the temple’s future. Today, Sri Anandabodi Viharaya, also known as Bahirawakanda Temple, stands as a testament to dedication and a beacon of peace in the heart of Kandy. As you admire its grandeur, remember the journey of its creation, the challenges overcome, and the unwavering faith that brought it to life.