Kelaniya Raja Maha viharaya is a Buddhist temple basking on the __ province of Sri Lanka. The chief monk, Kollupitiye mahinda Sangarakkitha thero is in charge of the Viharaya. Lord Buddha had arrived in Sri Lanka three times after his Enlightenment. Kelaniya is one of those 3 destinations. Harking back to the Buddha’s time, Lord Gautama Buddha was invited by Naga king ‘Maniakkika’. At that time there were 3 major tribes in Sri Lanka called Deva, Naga and Yaksha. The Kelaniya temple was also constructed by him containing and securing the jeweled throne whereas Buddha used to sit while preaching Buddha's hair. In fact, the place became hallowed with 500 arahant Bhikkhus. The temple became one of the most venerated places after the Arahat Mahinda thero and sangamitta thero brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka
The reclining statue of Lord Buddha and frescoes painted on the walls of the temple are attractive. The paintings regarding the arrival of their Sangamitta and Thero Mahindra bringing the sapling of Jayasri Maha bodhi is interesting. Many Jathaka stories, landmarks of Sri Lankan buddhism are depicted in the frescoes. Traditional Sinhala designs and patterns are carved in the pillars. The old paintings in the image house (Vihara geya) belong to the Kandyan era. The temple was concerned and gained its highest glory during the Kotte kingdom. In 1510 Portuguese destroyed the temple. The Dutch empire confiscated a part of the Kelaniya temple perimeter. Gradually the original Dagoba has been lost today due to the foreign invasions. Albeit king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha gifted the premise back to the bhikkus King Uttiya (brother of King Devanam piyatissa) revamped the temple with adding a quarter or a Sanghawasa to the Viharaya. The sacred area expands about 10 acres. you can see the shimmering Kelani river beside t the temple.
During the month of January, the temple becomes crowded with many devotees and travelers in the manner of Duruthu Maha Perahera is started from Kelaniya raja Maha viharaya. Drummers, dancers, colorful elephants and much more are strolling in the Perahera. The sacred reliquary is also exhibited in the Perahera. It is one of the glorious events to feast and exhibits our historic, cultural and religious heritage. Stupa, old shrine, new shrine and Viharageya are included to the Kelaniya Vihara complex.
Significantly the temple was renowned by the assistance of Mrs. Helena Jayawardena and Venerable Mapitigama Dhamma rakkitha thero. Mr. Solius Mendis, who is a highly revered artist and a painter in Sri Lanka has been capable of ensuring the gorgeous identity of the paintings in the new shrine. The paintings were done with just organic materials.