Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is located on the banks of river Kelani Ganga, 10 km north-east of Colombo.
It’s said that Gautama Buddha sanctified the Temple during his third and final visit to Sri Lanka, around 500 BCE. And Buddha sat on the gem-studded throne here, and preached.
The temple houses a sculpture of reclining Buddha and numerous wall and ceiling paintings by artist Solias Mendis, depicting events from the life of Buddha, history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and a few stories from Jataka tales.
The Kelaniya Temple had been renovated from time to time – by Prince Uttiya in 307 BCE, by Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in 18th century CE, and recently by philanthropist Mrs. Helena Wijewardene in 1946.
The precinct also has a Stupa, statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, and a Bhodhi Tree.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1aP3GpGsNYi4xrFCA
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