Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery (Asapuwa) - Polgahawela — Attraction in North Western Province

Mahamevnawa Polgahawela is a very large, active Theravada Buddhist Monastery about 2.5 hours from Colombo. It is home to over 100 monks. There are many things for visitors to see and do. Monks are available to speak with in English for tours or to answer questions about Meditation.

It is an easy side trip from Colombo to Pinnawala, Kandy or Anuradhapura.

Information in Sinhala Language වැඩි විස්තර

Things to See and Do

See the Sacred Gautama Buddha Mansion (learn more)

See the Dhammachakkha Stupa

Sacred Bodhi Tree Complex

Browse the bookshop with large selection of English Dhamma Books (view catalog)

Go on a guided or self-guided tours in English

Speak with a monk in English about Buddhism or meditation (learn more)

Make offerings at the shrines (learn how)

Help offer food to the monks at 10:45 (learn how)

Join with the evening chanting at 6:00 pm (learn more)

Get a blessing thread from the monks (learn how)

Open Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 8 am to 7.30 pm (Inside Buddha Mansion closed Mondays for cleaning) Saturday & Sunday: 6 am to 8 pm Evening Puja: 5:30 pm to 7 pm

What to Bring

Food for yourself. There are a few stalls with snacks on the road outside the monastery.

Water bottle. Free drinking water available on site.

Umbrella to protect from sun.

Shoes that can be easily removed

If you like, flowers and/or oil to offer at shrines. There are a few stalls selling flowers on the road outside the monastery.

Directions

From Colombo

As you travel people will be happy to help you on your way if you mention to them that you are going to Mahamevnawa (Maha MAY oo naa wa) Polgahawela (POL gaha way la)

By train: From Pettah (Colombo) take the train to Polgahawela train station. From the Polgahawela train station the easiest way is hire a three-wheeler (for about 400 Rs.)

By Bus: From Gunasinghapura (Colombo) take a Kurunegala bus and get off at the Yalgammodara Junction (at the railway crossing) right before Polgahawela Town. At this stop you will see a huge gateway across the road. You can hire a three-wheeler from there to take you to the monastery (for about 150 Rs.) or you can catch a bus that heads down that road to Narammala.

By Car: Take the A1 Colombo-Kandy road to Ambepussa. Then take the A6 Kurunegala road to the Yangalmodara Junction (at the railway crossing) right before Polgahawela Town. Turn left through the huge gateway across Narammala road. You will reach the monastery, on the left,...

The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery (Asapuwa) is located in Polgahawela, a town in the Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. The monastery is part of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery network, which was established in 1999 by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thero. Ven. Gnanananda Thero is a respected Buddhist monk known for his teachings on Theravada Buddhism. The Mahamevnawa Monastery follows the Theravada tradition of Buddhism and focuses on the teachings found in the Pali Canon, the oldest extant collection of Buddhist scriptures. The monastery emphasizes meditation, mindfulness, and the practice of ethical conduct as central aspects of the Buddhist path.

The monastery serves as a center for religious activities, including daily meditation sessions, Dhamma discussions, and religious ceremonies. It provides opportunities for both laypeople and monastics to deepen their understanding of Buddhist teachings and practice. In addition to its religious functions, the Mahamevnawa Monastery actively engages with the local community, offering various services and support. This may include providing educational programs, conducting charity events, and offering spiritual guidance to those in need. The monastery's architecture typically reflects traditional Sri Lankan Buddhist temple design, featuring a main shrine hall, meditation halls, living quarters for monks, and other facilities necessary for monastic life and religious practice.

Spiritual Retreats: The Mahamevnawa Monastery in Polgahawela may offer spiritual retreats for both lay practitioners and monastics. These retreats provide participants with an opportunity to deepen their meditation practice and study Buddhist teachings in a supportive and peaceful environment. The Mahamevnawa Monastery is dedicated to preserving the teachings of the Buddha and making them accessible to people from all walks of life. Through its various activities and programs, the monastery aims to propagate the Dhamma and contribute to the spiritual well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

Overall, the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery (Asapuwa) in Polgahawela serves as a place of spiritual refuge and learning, where practitioners can cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion in accordance with the teachings...

Nestled in the tranquil town of Polgahawela, the Mahamewnawa Buddhist Monastery is a sanctuary of serenity, and even in the absence of lights, it unveils a beauty that resonates with the soul. The monastery's decision to eschew artificial lighting only enhances its charm, creating an environment that is not only visually soothing but also spiritually profound.

The focal point of this haven is the Buddha House, a testament to architectural elegance and simplicity. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the structure stands as a visual embodiment of the monastery's commitment to spiritual aesthetics. In the absence of artificial lights, the natural illumination from the surroundings becomes an integral part of the experience, casting the Buddha House in a gentle glow that accentuates its beauty.

As you traverse the monastery grounds, a palpable sense of tranquility envelopes you. The deliberate lack of external lights not only minimizes light pollution but also fosters a deeper connection with nature. The sounds of rustling leaves and distant chants create an immersive experience, inviting visitors into a meditative state. The deliberate choice to limit external distractions aligns with the monastery's philosophy, providing a space for introspection and mental repose.

The Buddha House itself is a visual marvel. The interplay of shadows and moonlight highlights the intricate carvings and architectural nuances. Each corner seems to whisper tales of devotion and simplicity, inviting contemplation and mindfulness. The absence of electric lights accentuates the timeless beauty of the structure, allowing visitors to appreciate its elegance in its most organic state.

In this era of constant stimulation, the Mahamewnawa Buddhist Monastery in Polgahawela stands as a refuge for those seeking respite. The intentional choice to refrain from artificial lighting transforms the monastery into a sanctuary of natural beauty and profound stillness. It is not merely a place of worship but a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of spiritual devotion and architectural grace, creating an ambiance that is not only visually captivating but, more importantly, mind-relaxing in its...