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Bodhimalu Viharaya

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Have you ever felt the gaze of a giant? At Bodhimalu Viharaya, that’s exactly what you’ll experience. The colossal Buddha statue here, serene in its Dhyana Mudra pose, watches over Kandy. You can see this impressive figure from almost anywhere in the city. Bodhimalu Viharaya is more than just a temple. It’s a beacon of peace, a testament to devotion, and a symbol of the enduring strength of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The statue isn’t just big, it’s one of the tallest in the country. It stands at an incredible 26.83 meters high. Imagine the dedication it took to construct such a magnificent structure. The story of Bodhimalu Viharaya begins in the early 1970s. A monk named Ampitiye Dammarama Thero received a plot of land from the Minister of Lands, Hector Kobbekaduwa. This land, on Bahirawakanda hill, would become the temple’s home. Dammarama Thero lived in a simple dwelling as he worked tirelessly to raise funds for the temple’s construction. The path wasn’t easy. Senior monks from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic opposed the project. They feared it would overshadow their own prestigious temple. However, Dammarama Thero persevered. In the 1980s, with the help of another influential monk, Hinatiyana Dhammaloka, he successfully petitioned President Ranasinghe Premadasa. The president intervened and legally granted the land to Dammarama Thero. Construction of the giant Buddha statue began in the late 1980s and was finally completed in 1992. The official opening ceremony, a moment of great pride and celebration, took place on January 1, 1993. President Premadasa himself presided over the event. Now, Bodhimalu Viharaya welcomes visitors from all over the world. They come to admire the giant Buddha, to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, and to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. As you stand here, gaze up at the serene face of the Buddha, and let the tranquility of Bodhimalu Viharaya wash over you.

After discovering the story of Bodhimalu Viharaya in Kandy, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Kandy while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Kandy. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Kandy directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Kandy. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Kandy. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Kandy with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

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