Kirinda is a small village basking in the southern province of Sri Lanka. It has become one of the most venerated places of Buddhism. The beautiful beach and the temple built on the huge rock boulder on Kirinda beach are the main attractions of Kirinda. In fact, you have to climb a stair lead up to the temple.
While mentioning about the serenity you can experience, a beautiful out look to the Indian Ocean can be enjoyed. Many travelers are attracted to see this panoramic view recently. It is believed that the Kirinda is the place where Princess Vihara maha devi landed after being set coastward. In order to hammer out her father, King Kelanitissa’s sin of killing a Bhikkhu Prince Vihara maha devi sacrificed her life to the sea. King Kelanitissa murdered a monk by putting into an oil cauldron. It is said that the sea overflow to the country due to the sin is done by the king. Today we can identify that this would be another ‘Tsunami’.
Therefore Princess Vihara maha devi decided to sacrifice her life to the ocean. But she was recovered by King Kavantissa who was the ruler of Ruhunu kingdom at that time. King Kavantissa married the princess and governed the kingdom. They had 2 sons. The elder son is the ‘Dutugemunu’ who became a great king of our nation later. Even today we can see the monument constructed to commemorate the incident. So many devotees and tourists visit the temple every day. At the corner of this rock boulder, you can see a small Hindu shrine. Hundreds of pilgrims and devotees visit the temple to worship Buddha. Kirinda temple is an ideal place to away from the hustle bustle of the city. Close to the Kirinda temple is a bass of reefs. Gradually scuba divers are diving in this area.