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Nestled in the historic city of Kandy, the Malwathu Maha Viharaya is one of the most significant and ancient Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. As the primary residence of the Malwathu Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, one of the largest and most respected Buddhist monastic orders in Sri Lanka, the temple serves as both a spiritual hub and a key player in the island’s Buddhist heritage. It is a place of serenity, tradition, and learning that draws visitors from all over the world, from devout pilgrims to curious tourists.
Situated close to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Malwathu Maha Viharaya is an essential stop for anyone visiting Kandy. Its historical significance, combined with its tranquil atmosphere and impressive architecture, makes it a must-visit location for those seeking to delve deeper into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist traditions and cultural history.
Malwathu Maha Viharaya is conveniently located within the city of Kandy, making it easily accessible for tourists exploring the area. From the Kandy city center, it is only about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away, a short drive or a leisurely walk from the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Kandy Lake. Visitors can reach the temple in 5 to 10 minutes by car or on foot if they wish to explore the surroundings of Kandy on a pleasant stroll.
For those coming from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, the distance to Malwathu Maha Viharaya is approximately 115 kilometers (71 miles). The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours by car or bus, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, visitors can take the scenic train route from Colombo to Kandy, which offers breathtaking views of the hill country and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Kandy is a well-connected city, and public transport options such as buses and tuk-tuks are readily available to reach Malwathu Maha Viharaya from any part of the city.
The origins of Malwathu Maha Viharaya date back to the 14th century during the reign of the Gampola Kingdom. However, the temple gained prominence during the Kandyan Kingdom, particularly in the 16th century, when it became a center for Buddhist learning and the seat of the Siam Nikaya. The Siam Nikaya is one of the three main sects of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and its influence is far-reaching in the religious and cultural life of the country.
Malwathu Maha Viharaya is more than just a place of worship; it is a significant center for monastic education and a symbol of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage. The temple plays a crucial role in the country's religious festivals, most notably the Esala Perahera, one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in the world, where monks from the temple lead processions carrying the sacred relic of the Buddha from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
A visit to Malwathu Maha Viharaya offers a serene and immersive experience. Here's what you can expect when you explore the temple:
The centerpiece of the temple complex is the main shrine room, which houses a large, serene seated Buddha statue. The shrine is adorned with colorful frescoes, intricate carvings, and Buddhist symbols that reflect the temple’s long-standing spiritual significance. The peaceful atmosphere inside the shrine provides the perfect environment for quiet meditation and reflection.
As visitors step inside the shrine, they are greeted by monks who often offer blessings or engage in chanting Buddhist prayers. The interior of the temple is simple yet elegant, with its high ceilings and wooden beams contributing to the tranquil ambiance.
Just outside the main shrine, the sacred Bodhi tree is another key feature of Malwathu Maha Viharaya. It is a descendant of the original Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, which is believed to have grown from a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The Bodhi tree is surrounded by a quiet courtyard where devotees can be seen offering prayers, lighting oil lamps, and hanging colorful Buddhist flags.
Visitors often take a moment here to sit and meditate under the tree’s shade or participate in rituals, offering water or flowers as a mark of respect.
Within the temple grounds, there are several stupas (Buddhist dagobas), each holding significant religious relics. The most prominent stupa is located near the Bodhi tree and is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists who come to pay homage. The stupas are beautifully designed, with simple yet symbolic features that represent the teachings of Buddhism.
Walking around the stupas in quiet contemplation is a common practice, and visitors are encouraged to participate in this tradition, known as pradakshina, where you circle the stupa in a clockwise direction as a sign of reverence.
Malwathu Maha Viharaya is home to a large number of monks, many of whom are involved in Buddhist education and scriptural study. The temple operates as a monastic school, where young monks receive training in Pali, Buddhist philosophy, and ritual practices. Visitors to the temple may encounter groups of young monks in traditional saffron robes attending classes or participating in chanting sessions.
On certain occasions, visitors can also observe monastic debates or discussions on Buddhist teachings, which provide insight into the intellectual and spiritual training of the monks.
Malwathu Maha Viharaya is often part of a larger cultural and spiritual journey through Kandy. Here are a few itineraries that include the temple:
Malwathu Maha Viharaya is situated at an elevation of approximately 500 meters (1,640 feet) above sea level, in the heart of Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka. The temple overlooks the Kandy Lake and offers views of the surrounding hills and lush greenery of the central highlands. The temple's location on a hill gives it a peaceful and elevated atmosphere, making it an ideal place for quiet meditation and reflection.
The cool climate of Kandy, especially compared to the lower-lying areas of Sri Lanka, makes visiting Malwathu Maha
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