Whispers of ancient kings and scholarly monks linger here. Welcome to Sooriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya. This Buddhist temple in the Kandy District holds stories that stretch back centuries. Are you ready to step back in time?
The history of Sooriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya begins in the Kingdom of Kotte. Suriyagoda Wijesundara Seneviratna Wijekoon Rajakaruna Attanayaka Bandara established it. He was a mentor to King Parakramabahu VI who reigned from 1412 to 1467 AD. Later King Sri Narendrasinghe renovated the temple. He renamed it Narendraramaya during his rule from 1706 to 1739 AD.
Ven. Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thera is closely linked to Sooriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya. This famous monk became the Sangharaja or the leader of the Buddhist order. He entered the order right here at this temple.
Sadly parts of Sooriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya were destroyed. Some structures were burnt by the Portuguese. Despite this damage the temple endured.
The Tempita Viharaya shrine exemplifies Kandyan architecture. The shrine rests upon eight pillars. These pillars are about 0.77 meters tall. The shrine is four meters long and 2.46 meters wide. A small open hall stands in front of it. Inside the shrine room find a seated Buddha statue. It sits peacefully under the shade of a Makara Thorana. This is a dragon arch.
The Stupa and Chapter House stand before the Tempita Viharaya. They add to the sacred atmosphere. In 1953 the government recognized the temple’s importance. They declared Sooriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya an archaeological protected monument.
Imagine monks walking these grounds long ago. They sought wisdom and enlightenment. They added to the spiritual energy. The temple has been known by different names. It was once called Narendraramaya and Narendra Singharamaya. Before becoming Suriyagoda the area was known as Kadarodagama.
Inside you can see paintings in the Udarata style. They depict Lord Buddha arahants and Dewaradanawa. There are also paintings of wrestling and animals. The Samadhi statue dates back to the Kotte period. Artists used white black red orange and yellow colors. The large library holds valuable palm leaf books.
As you leave Sooriyagoda Raja Maha Viharaya consider its long history. Kings monks and artists shaped this sacred place. Its legacy continues to inspire peace and reflection.