What Are the Best Buddhist Places in Sri Lanka?

By Alice Nichols

Sri Lanka is home to some of the most important and renowned Buddhist sites in the world. From ancient temples to modern monasteries, Sri Lanka is full of places that have been sacred to Buddhists for centuries. These sites are not only important religious destinations but also great places to experience the Sri Lankan culture.

The most famous Buddhist site in Sri Lanka is undoubtedly the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. This temple houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics, a tooth of the Buddha himself, and it is believed to provide protection and blessings for all who visit it. Visitors can witness daily rituals and ceremonies performed by monks, or take part in meditation sessions.

Another important temple is Mihintale, located near Anuradhapura, which is considered to be the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This site dates back over 2,000 years and is filled with remarkable monuments and artifacts related to Buddhism’s history on the island. It also has a large stupa and several other temples that are worth exploring.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is another must-see site for any Buddhist traveler. Located close to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, this temple complex consists of five caves adorned with statues and frescoes depicting stories from Buddhist mythology. The caves also contain multiple shrines devoted to various deities including Lord Buddha himself.

Polonnaruwa was once one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kingdoms and there are many surviving ruins from this era that are now popular tourist attractions including a number of important Buddhist sites such as King Parakramabahu’s Statue, Gal Vihara Temple and Lankatilaka Viharaya Temple which feature some stunning artwork from this period.

Kataragama Temple in the south part of Sri Lanka draws many pilgrims throughout the year as it is believed to be home to four major deities: Buddha, Vishnu, Kataragama (a Hindu god) and Pattini (a goddess). The temple features many unique sculptures as well as incredible views of lush jungles nearby.

These are just some of the most renowned Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka; there are many more worth exploring such as Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara near Colombo or Mulkirigala Rock Temple in Matara district which offer a more secluded retreat away from bustling cities.

Conclusion:

Sri Lanka has been an important center for Buddhism since ancient times and continues to be an essential part of its culture today. Visitors can explore several interesting sites related to this faith all around the country ranging from ancient temples to modern monasteries.