Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya — Attraction in Southern Province

Weherahena ( Veherahena) is popular temple among the buddhist pilgrims. Weherahena Temple was started to build in 1939 by the Most Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero. the foundation was kept by Anagarika Daharmapala the leader of Buddhist revival of Sri Lanaka. It is the popular temple among the Buddhist pilgrims in the world. This is the largest and the first tunnel temple in the world. Although there is nothing of historical significance, the story of the temple is quite interesting. In addition, the temple is said be the largest and the first tunnel temple in the world. Must visit as a Buddhist! Large Buddha statue which you can climb to the top with a picturesque views. Also, it has a unique underground structure beneath the temple filled with sataues related to lord Buddha's teachings. This place also having a pilgrim's guest house with ample facilities. The even though it is said this temple was adobe to arhath bikkus in the ancient Sri Lanka, the story of the temple starts during the early part of the 20th centaury. The Most Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero was sent to Weherahena area in the early part of centaury as a punishment by his teacher. Weherahena was just a mound of 1/2 acre of think Jungle with only a Bodhi Tree. It is said that Ven. Revatha Thero came only with an blanket, mattress and the bowl. He managed to get the villagers organised and built a small clay house for him self but soon came with a grand idea of building the largest buddha statue in the world. He also wanted to build a tunnel temple as in ummaga jathaka story.This huge temple is located on a 3-acre land and is visited by many tourists. The temple is famous for its sacred Bo-tree and a huge Buddha statue. the large buddha statue here is painted with very bright colors. There are hundreds of scenes painted to show the Buddha's life. There are three underground stores and there you can see the shrine room in which the walls are decorated with murals depicting the Buddha's life.There are two small ponds at the front part of the temple. Besides, you will also see a courtyard near the statue. While this is NOT an ancient site (construction began early 20th century and continued for decades), it is nonetheless breathtaking for the more than 20 THOUSAND paintings adorning walls and ceilings both inside and out. Enter a tunnel system on the opposite end of the complex from the massive seated Buddha and take your time admiring the stories told by the artwork (very helpful if you don't read Sinhalese to go with someone who does - I didn't have to guess at what I was seeing because I had a friend who could read the picture captions for me). The tunnel leads to the main underground, where you begin the ascent of the structure that was built to surround the Buddha. It's a beautiful view of the courtyard and surrounding area at the top. It was such an inspiring visit that weeks later I'm still wearing the cord one of the monks tied around my wrist. While it's a shame to see water and sun damage affecting some areas, and areas where vandals have defiled a sacred place with graffiti, I'll spend at least a full day here the next time I'm in Sri Lanka. To fully appreciate the stories and artistry of 20,000 paintings would take months. The huge Buddha is impressive, but it is the art and all that went into it that really sets this place apart. This Buddhist temple has a great significance in the followers...

The Weherahena Temple, officially known as Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya, is a significant Buddhist temple located in Matara, Sri Lanka, approximately 6 kilometers from the city center. It's a well-known and popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Here's a breakdown of what makes the Weherahena Temple noteworthy: Key Features: Giant Buddha Statue: The temple is famous for its towering 39-meter (128-foot) high seated Buddha statue, one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. This impressive statue, in a Samadhi (meditative) pose, is a striking landmark. Underground Tunnel Temple: Perhaps the most unique aspect is the extensive tunnel system beneath the main temple. This network of tunnels is adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's previous lives). It's considered the first and largest tunnel temple in the world. Walking through these tunnels offers an immersive and fascinating experience. Spiritual Atmosphere: The temple exudes a tranquil and spiritual ambiance, with the sounds of chanting and the scent of incense creating a peaceful environment for worship and reflection. Gardens: The temple complex is set within pleasant surroundings, offering a space for a peaceful walk and contemplation. History: The history of the Weherahena Temple dates back to the early part of the 20th century. The story begins with a monk, Ven. Parawahera Rewatha Thero, who was sent to the Weherahena area. Initially, he built a small clay house with the help of villagers. He then conceived the idea of creating a large Buddha statue and a tunnel temple. With the support of Anagarika Dharmapala, a key figure in the Buddhist revival movement, the foundation stone for the temple was laid in 1939. The construction of the 600-foot tunnel was completed first, followed by the Buddha statue, which was finished in 1976. Visiting Information: Location: Weherahena Rd, Matara, Sri Lanka (approximately 6 km east of Matara city center). Opening Hours: Generally open daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Entrance Fee: While some sources mention a fee of LKR 250, others suggest that there isn't an official entrance fee, but donations are highly encouraged for the temple's upkeep. Dress Code: Visitors are advised to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect for the sacred site. Footwear should be removed before entering temple areas. Why Visit? Visiting Weherahena Temple offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. The sheer scale of the Buddha statue is awe-inspiring, and exploring the intricate murals within the underground tunnels provides a fascinating insight into Buddhist teachings and art. The serene atmosphere makes it a place for peaceful reflection. If you are in the Matara region, Weherahena Temple is definitely worth a visit for its distinctive features and spiritual...

🌸 Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya – A Spiritual Wonder with History Beneath the Earth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Title: "A Soul-Stirring Sanctuary: Journey into Sri Lanka’s Tunnel Temple of Tranquility"

When people speak of Sri Lanka’s famous temples, few mention Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya—yet it is a site of extraordinary beauty, history, and devotion that deserves a place on every traveler’s map.

🕉️ Historical Background The temple’s story dates back to the early 20th century, when Rev. Parawahera Rewatha Thero, a monk from Dodanduwa, envisioned building an underground temple to symbolize humility and spiritual depth. Construction began around 1929 with the help of local devotees, and over decades it grew into the extraordinary complex seen today. The giant seated Buddha statue (39m / 130 ft) was later added, completed in the 1970s, making it one of the largest in Sri Lanka. The tunnel temple, decorated with thousands of colorful murals depicting the Jataka tales and Buddha’s life, was part of the original concept—to create the world’s first large-scale subterranean Buddhist shrine. Thus, Weherahena represents not only devotion but also innovation in temple architecture—a blend of tradition and creativity that still awes visitors almost 100 years later.

✨ My Experience Walking into Weherahena felt like stepping into another realm. The towering Buddha is visible from afar, blessing the entire region. Yet the true magic lies below the surface. Entering the tunnel temple, I wandered through dimly lit passages adorned with murals stretching across every wall—a vast illustrated library of Buddhist philosophy and folklore. Each mural seemed alive, inviting me to pause, reflect, and immerse in its wisdom. Above ground, the temple grounds are peaceful, shaded with trees and open courtyards where one can sit in quiet reflection. Despite being a significant attraction, it retains an atmosphere of calm sanctity rather than commercial bustle.

🌿 Tips for Visitors Best time: Visit early morning or late evening for cooler weather and soft golden light on the Buddha statue.

Dress code: Respectful attire is essential—cover shoulders and knees, and remove footwear before entering shrines. Donations: A small offering helps support the upkeep of this historic site. Photography: Allowed in most areas, but remember it’s a sacred space—maintain decorum.

🪷 Final Thoughts Weherahena Poorwarama Rajamaha Viharaya is not just a temple—it is history carved underground, art painted on walls, and faith rising skyward in the form of a monumental Buddha. For travelers to southern Sri Lanka, it is a place where culture, devotion, and architecture meet in harmony. I left feeling deeply moved—this is a temple that both guides the mind and soothes the soul.

🌟 A must-visit in Matara for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and curious...