Ridi Viharaya රිදි විහාරය — Attraction in North Western Province

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RIDI VIHARAYA

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Ridi Viharaya lies about 20 kilometers away from the ancient kingdom of Kurunegala in a small village called Ridi Gama. This temple is said to be built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC as a memorial to the place where he found a silver (ridi)

After defeating the kingdom's grasping Elara, he began the construction of the Ruwanvelisaya, also known as the "Great Stupa", one of the tallest monuments built before the 20th century. Among other materials, silver was needed for the stupa's basement.

Meanwhile, some traders were traveling from the central highlands of Sri Lanka to the then capital of the country; Anuradhapura. According to the chronicles, they saw some ripe jackfruits in Ridigama. I thought of cutting it and offering the first half to the Buddhist monks. Four Arhat monks appeared at their discretion and accepted the alms. Then four more monks came and accepted the alms. The last monk, Arhat Indragupta, after eating jackfruit, directed the traders to a cave with silver ore. After they reached Anuradhapura, they informed the king that they had found them. He was very happy to hear the news. The ore provided the amount of silver needed for construction. In gratitude, he built a temple complex on silver ore, employing 300 masons and 700 others, including his master craftsman Viswakarma Prathiraja.

There are approximately twenty-five caves around the temple, which are considered to be inhabited by Arhat monks, since the arrival of Arahat Mahinda in 3rd century BCE.

The temple was revived in the 18th century CE, during the reign of Kirti Sri Rajasinha of Kandy (1746-1778 CE). Uda Viharaya was added to the complex during this period. Several affiliated devalas: Kumara Bandara Devalaya and Paththini Devalaya were also established. Ridi Viharaya now falls under the Malwatte chapter of Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.

Maha Viharaya

Passing this you would enter the Main Vihara complex which is divided in to two. The lover one is called the ‘Maha Vihare’ ( the main temple) or ‘Pahala Vihare’ ( lower temple) and the upper is called the ‘Uda Vihare’ ( the upper temple). The Maha Vihare was constructed by the king Dutugemunu in the 2nd centaury BC and the Uda Vihare has been constructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasainha (1747 – 1781) .

The maha vihare is located inside a spacious rock cave and contains a 9m recumbent Buddha image and the original gold plated Buddha Image donated by King Dutugemunu. At the feet of recumbent Buddha image there is a statue of Ananda Thero, a statue of a Maithree Bodhi Sattva and then statues of some Devatha. It is believed that the last statue of Devatha is actually a statue of King Dutugemunu. After these is a row of 5 buddha statues which is said to have been originally gold plated.

The flower pedestal of the recumbent Buddha image also has a very curious feature. It is decorated with about two hundred 18th centaury Dutch tiles portraying the life of Christ popularly known as bible tiles. These are believed to have been presented to King Kirthi Sri Rajasainha (1747 – 1781) by a Dutch Governor who in turn donated it to the temple. From the way these tiles are are arranged, the tiler seems to be clueless of the pictures on the tiles.

The roof of the cave is plastered and painted with various patterns. During the poson season of 2008, a large area of this plaster has fallen off due to heat generated by the large number of pilgrims inside of the cave.

Travel Directions to Ridi Viharaya

The Ridi Vihara is about 20 km from the Kurunegala Town. Travel on the Kandy Road from Kurunegala up to Mallawapitiya junction. This is about 5km form the Kurunegala town. Turn off to Keppitigala Road and Travel another 15 km along this road. You will come across the junction where route to the Viharaya is clearly marked. Travel about 1 1/2 km along this road to reach the Temple.

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Ridi Viharaya (Sinhala: රිදී විහාරය) or Silver Temple is a 2nd-century BCE Theravada Buddhist temple in the village of Ridigama, Sri Lanka. Built during the reign of Dutthagamani of Anuradhapura, the temple is considered as the place where the silver ore, which provided silver to complete Ruwanwelisaya; one of the largest stupa in Sri Lanka, was discovered. According to the chronicles Mahavamsa and Thupavamsa, the Ridi Viharaya complex was built in gratitude for helping him cherish his dream of completing Ruwanwelisaya.

Location

Approximately 18 kilometres northeast of Kurunegala, Ridi Viharaya is located in the city of Ridigama. Kurunegala is located 94 kilometres northeast of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The temple is approximately 10 kilometres from Ibbagamuwa, in the A6 highway, which connects Kurunegala and Dambulla.

History

Uda Viharaya and adjacent stupa.

Dutthagamani of Anuradhapura, a Sinhalese king of ancient Sri Lanka, known for his campaign that defeated and overthrowed the usurping Tamil prince Ellalan of Chola Kingdom, reigned from 161 BCE to 137 BCE in the Anuradhapura Kingdom. Upon his victory over Elara, he initiated construction of Ruwanwelisaya, also known as the "Great Stupa", one of the tallest monuments built before the 20th century. Among other materials, silver was required for the basement of the stupa.

In the meantime, some merchants were travelling from the central highlands of Sri Lanka, to the then capital of the country; Anuradhapura. According to the chronicles, they saw some ripe jackfruit in the Ridigama area; cut it and thought of offering the first half to Buddhist monks as a ritual. Four Arhat monks appeared according to their wish and accepted the Dāna. Then four more monks came and accepted the Dāna. The last monk, known as Arhat Indragupta, after partaking the jackfruit, directed the merchants to a path which led to a cave with a silver ore. They informed the monach of their finding after arriving in Anuradhapura. He was much elated upon hearing the news. The ore provided the required amount of silver for the construction work. In gratitude, he built a temple complex on the silver ore, employing 300 masons and 700 others including his chief artisan Vishwakarma Prathiraja.

There are approximately twenty-five caves around the temple, which are considered to be inhabited by Arhat monks, since the arrival of Arhat Mahinda in 3rd century BCE. The temple was revived in the 18th century CE, during the reign of Kirti Sri Rajasinha of Kandy (1746-1778 CE). Uda Viharaya was added to the complex during this period. Several affiliated devalas: Kumara Bandara Devalaya and Paththini Devalaya were also established. Ridi Viharaya now falls under the Malwatte chapter of Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.

Associated buildings, structures and locations

Serasum Gala

A rock to the right of the entrance, which is believed to be the place where the initial temple was built. It is also considered that this was the place where king Dutthagamani dressed prior to worshipping the temple. A small stupa is located on top of this rock.

Waraka Welandu Viharaya

Waraka Welandu Viharaya at Ridi Viharaya.

Waraka Welandu Viharaya is a Polonnaruwa era building, considered as the place where the Arhat monks accepted jackfruit from the merchants. The name "Waraka Welandu Viharaya" (temple which the jackfruit was consumed) implies this notion. This small Gedige-type building of the size of a room, is built in stone and contains a number of Kandyan era paintings. Its stone roof rests on eight stone pillars, which are decorated on all four sides. Hindu influence can be observed in the carvings of female dancers, which are usually not found in Buddhist temples.

Hevisi Mandapaya

Located in front of the Maha Viharaya, the Hevisi Mandapaya (or the drummers' pavilion) contains a rice bowl and other objects of historical value. A centuries-old Pallakkiya, which was used to carry elderly monks, can also be seen hung...

A Spiritual and Historical Gem – Ridee Viharaya, Kurunegala

Tucked into the scenic hills of Kurunegala, Ridee Viharaya (Silver Temple) is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered ancient temples, offering a perfect blend of serenity, history, and natural beauty. Often overshadowed by more prominent sites like Dambulla Cave Temple or Aluvihara Temple in Matale, Ridee Viharaya deserves equal recognition for its spiritual richness and historical importance.

Peaceful Surroundings and Meditative Ambience

From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a calm, peaceful environment that invites introspection and reverence. The temple is nestled amidst lush greenery and rocky outcrops, making it an ideal setting for quiet contemplation or a meditative walk. The sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the soft chants from within the temple—create a soothing backdrop rarely found in more crowded tourist destinations.

The setting is somewhat reminiscent of Dambulla and Aluvihara, both of which also feature cave-style temples tucked into rocky hillsides. However, Ridee Viharaya stands out for its intimate charm and quieter atmosphere, as it remains less commercialized and less crowded, making the experience more personal and spiritual.

Historical Significance and Ancient Architecture

Ridee Viharaya is not just a religious site; it’s a monument of historical value. The temple dates back to the Anuradhapura period, and it is closely tied to the story of King Dutugemunu, who is said to have received silver from this very location to fund the construction of the Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura.

The temple complex features ancient cave shrines, beautifully preserved frescoes, statues of the Buddha, and intricate carvings that reveal the architectural mastery of ancient Sri Lankan artisans. One can spend hours exploring these sacred spaces, each one offering insight into a different era of Buddhist devotion and artistic expression.

A highlight of the visit is the Makara Thorana (Dragon Archway)—an exquisitely detailed sculpture that rivals those found in larger heritage sites. There are also inscriptions, ancient stupa remains, and even natural stone basins believed to have been used by monks centuries ago.

Accessibility and Facilities

Ridee Viharaya is located about 20–25 km from central Kurunegala, and the road to the temple, though winding and hilly, is scenic and well worth the journey. The area is well-maintained and respectful of its heritage, with minimal modern alterations that could detract from its authenticity.

There are ample parking spaces, clean facilities, and friendly temple custodians who are often willing to share the history of the site with interested visitors. Unlike some more commercial temples, there is no aggressive push for donations or souvenirs, which makes the experience feel more genuine and respectful.

A Must-Visit for Spiritual and Cultural Travelers

Ridee Viharaya may not boast the scale of Dambulla or the crowds of Kandy, but in many ways, this is its strength. Its quiet dignity, deep historical roots, and spiritual calm make it a standout destination for those seeking more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a place to slow down, learn, reflect, and appreciate the continuity of Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition.

Pros: • Calm, meditative environment • Rich historical and cultural value • Similar charm to Dambulla and Aluvihara, but with fewer crowds • Beautiful natural surroundings and cave architecture

Cons: • Slightly remote; requires private transport or organized tour • Limited food options nearby, so plan accordingly

Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring the Kurunegala region, Ridee Viharaya is an absolute must-visit. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a practicing Buddhist, or simply a traveler in search of a meaningful experience, this temple offers a journey into Sri Lanka’s spiritual and architectural heritage that is both enriching...