Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya-Weligama | වැලිගම අග්‍රබෝධි රජමහා විහාරය — Attraction in Southern Province

The Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya at Weligama is an ancient temple which dates back to times of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC). According the Bodhivamsa, the chronicle of the Holy Bodhi Tree, the very first of the Bodhi saplings out of the first thirty two saplings from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi was planted at this temple grounds during the time of King Devanampiyatissa.

Chronicle further mentions that Patarajakulavardhana Devadhikari, the Commander-in-Chief of Queen Kalyanavati in the Polonnaruva period has built a Pirivena in this vihara. There is evidence to say that an image house was built by King Parakramabahu IV (1302-1326 A.D.) and King Bhuvanekabahu IV (1341-1351 A.D.) and his Commander-in-Chief, named Senalankadhikari have made offerings to this vihara.

According to folklore, when the few of the very first Bodhi Saplings were being carried to southern region, the group rested one night on this ground and in the morning when the group tried to resume their journey, they found out that the very first Bodhi of the samplings has taken root at the site. Therefore it has been decided to leave the Bodhi tree on the same site. Thus since the first and the main sampling of Sri Maha Bodhi was planted here, it has been called Agrabodhi Viharaya.

Another folklore states that the temple was built by King Aggrabodhi IV (667-683) thus the the temple was named after him.

This temple is also mentioned in Sandesha poems like Thisara Sandeshaya, Kokila Sandeshaya and Parevi Sandeshaya.

Weligama Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya’s antiquity is also demonstrated by the finding of a ‘Ashtamangala Shilawa’ or the “Ata Magala” stone (Eight fold prosperity stone) which was used as the foundation stone of...

Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya is a significant Buddhist temple located in Weligama, in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. This historic temple is believed to have been established over 2,000 years ago, dating back to the reign of King Kavantissa (3rd century BCE). The temple is known for its serene surroundings and its connection to the teachings of the Buddha, as well as its role in preserving Sri Lankan Buddhist heritage.

Agrabodhi Raja Maha Viharaya is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, with numerous religious events, rituals, and festivals held throughout the year. The temple complex includes several shrines, Buddha statues, and historical artifacts, making it a key site for both spiritual and cultural significance in the region. The temple is also renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, which draws many visitors seeking reflection...

A temple with more than 2500 years of history. A very ancient temple. A temple built by King Devanampiyatissa in 236 B.C. This bo-tree is sapling from the historical "Srimahabodiya" Bo-tree out of the 32 bo saplings this bo-tree the first. Even today, this plant is constantly worshiped by Buddhists in Jambudipa (Sri Lanka), where the Buddha was alive. The spiritual healing felt by the body while worshiping this Bo-tree is very high.  It's something you have to experience. Come to this place once.  Meditate under the Bo tree. Experience true spiritual healing. When you come to this temple, you feel a wonderful sense of comfort. The surroundings are very quiet.  The sound of the 'bopath' swaying in the wind makes you feel very relaxed.  It is very cool inside the temple. The temple premises are very clean and seem to be very...