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Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya — Attraction in Southern Province

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Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya
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Isuru Homestay Hiriketiya
XP93+W5M, Ashokarama Rd, Dikwella, Sri Lanka
Casa Luna
XM9V+XWW, Rathmale Road, Dikwella, Sri Lanka
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Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya
Sri LankaSouthern ProvinceWewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya

Basic Info

Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya

Beliatta Rd, Dikwella 81200, Sri Lanka
4.2(978)
Open 24 hours
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Phone
+94 412 255 337
Website
damsathara.com

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Things to do nearby

Snorkel with turtles with a marine specialist
Snorkel with turtles with a marine specialist
Tue, Dec 9 • 7:00 AM
Mirissa, Southern Province 81740, Sri Lanka
View details
TukTuk Journey to the picturesque secluded beaches
TukTuk Journey to the picturesque secluded beaches
Mon, Dec 8 • 9:30 AM
Tangalle, Southern Province 82200, Sri Lanka
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Private Southern Sri Lanka Beach Tour by Car
Private Southern Sri Lanka Beach Tour by Car
Sat, Dec 13 • 8:00 AM
Mirissa, Southern Province 81750, Sri Lanka
View details
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Seevali De AbrewSeevali De Abrew
Go - See - “Buddhist Hell” My wife, two grandchildren and I visited Wewurukannala Buddhist temple in the morning hours on 25th December 2019. The temple is famous for its 162 feet tall gigantic seated buddha statue. It is said to be the tallest seated Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. Being a holiday, there were many devotees visiting the temple. Foreign visitors are charged Rs 200 on entry. All visitors are required to dress modestly and leave their footwear at the entrance. The temple is in five parts. 1. The oldest is the image house built in the late 18th century. Its outer face is intricately carved. The inner sanctum is dominated by sculpted buddha statues. In the area surrounding the inner sanctum are sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha’s life, surreal scenes depicting, gods, demons, princes, animals and others. 2. The second building demonstrates the “Hell” as Buddhists believe. People look at these sculptures with wide eyes imagining what it would be like in hell. There are graphic life-size sculptures of miscreants being sawn into pieces, dismembered, skinned, impaled on a spike, made to climb a tree with sharp thorns, eyes pulled out and many other torture details. Beware – be good to avoid having to go to hell!! 3. There is a shrine room dedicated to god Skanda Kumara (Katharagama) 4. At the upper level is the enormous, massive, gigantic seated buddha statue. There is also a bo-tree at the upper level. There were many devotees here at the upper level. 5. The front of the museum has a large clock. Its working mechanism had initially been made of wood and is still on display. The wooden mechanism has now been replaced by a metal replica. The working mechanism of the clock with all its parts can be seen in the upper floor of the museum. The entrance fee to the museum is Rs.5. The time displayed in the clock was however incorrect. We spent about two hours in the temple premises and were rather amused by the gaudy creations at the “Buddhist Hell”.
Buddhika EkanayakeBuddhika Ekanayake
I have fond childhood memories of visiting the Wewurukannala Viharaya, a temple once known for its magnificent sculptures and impressive architecture. However, during my recent visit, I was saddened to see its deteriorating condition. The temple appears to be struggling to stand on its feet. There has been no visible restoration of the crumbling structures, and when we inquired, we were told that the Archaeological Department prohibits any restoration work. However, it was difficult to see any real efforts in preserving or safeguarding the site. The main Buddha statue, a focal point of the temple, looked faded and neglected, with no signs of recent repairs. Inside, many of the paintings were severely damaged, and the overall lack of care was evident. It was truly disheartening to witness the condition of what was once such a vibrant and respected place of worship. The museum was no better. It was in a state of disrepair, with no lighting and an overall sense of neglect. As we visited the famous clock, we encountered two men sleeping on benches directly across from the entrance, an unsettling sight for a place of reverence. The temple, as a whole, seemed to be operating without direction, and there was a noticeable focus on collecting donations from locals & tourists without any transparency about how those funds were being used. It was heartbreaking to see a temple that once held such significance in my life now standing in such disarray. I sincerely hope that attention is given to preserving this beautiful site, as it deserves far more than what it’s currently receiving.
samitha siriwardanasamitha siriwardana
When we were driving to the temple my husband asked me to look at the sky above the trees in front of us.That was the first time i saw this beautiful buddha statue.i was shocked to see the giant buddha statue with a calm face.We eagerly entered to the temple to have a full view of it and search the history of the temple Wewrukannala buduraja mahaviharaya dates back to 1782-1798.Its oldest building is about 250 years old. The buddha statue is 160ft high and said to be the largest sitting statue of buddha in srilanka.It is possible to climb up to the top of the statue by the staircase built right behind the statue.it is a 8-10 storied building which has wall paintings in each hall. What makes it worth the climb of all floors is there is a window which is built behind the head of buddha statue through which we can see whats inside the head.It contains jars made out of clay and some tiny buddha statues.those clay jars contains written sculptures of dhamma which were written on ancient "thal"leaves known as "puskola grantha " Another part of the temple is an old building with a tunnel which has wall paintings of the hell.and life size statues of demons and sinners.ancient srilankans are said to be afraid to do sins because they were told the stories of different kinds of punishments sinners will receive at hell. Overall the temple is worth to visit .be mindful of the dress.
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Go - See - “Buddhist Hell” My wife, two grandchildren and I visited Wewurukannala Buddhist temple in the morning hours on 25th December 2019. The temple is famous for its 162 feet tall gigantic seated buddha statue. It is said to be the tallest seated Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. Being a holiday, there were many devotees visiting the temple. Foreign visitors are charged Rs 200 on entry. All visitors are required to dress modestly and leave their footwear at the entrance. The temple is in five parts. 1. The oldest is the image house built in the late 18th century. Its outer face is intricately carved. The inner sanctum is dominated by sculpted buddha statues. In the area surrounding the inner sanctum are sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha’s life, surreal scenes depicting, gods, demons, princes, animals and others. 2. The second building demonstrates the “Hell” as Buddhists believe. People look at these sculptures with wide eyes imagining what it would be like in hell. There are graphic life-size sculptures of miscreants being sawn into pieces, dismembered, skinned, impaled on a spike, made to climb a tree with sharp thorns, eyes pulled out and many other torture details. Beware – be good to avoid having to go to hell!! 3. There is a shrine room dedicated to god Skanda Kumara (Katharagama) 4. At the upper level is the enormous, massive, gigantic seated buddha statue. There is also a bo-tree at the upper level. There were many devotees here at the upper level. 5. The front of the museum has a large clock. Its working mechanism had initially been made of wood and is still on display. The wooden mechanism has now been replaced by a metal replica. The working mechanism of the clock with all its parts can be seen in the upper floor of the museum. The entrance fee to the museum is Rs.5. The time displayed in the clock was however incorrect. We spent about two hours in the temple premises and were rather amused by the gaudy creations at the “Buddhist Hell”.
Seevali De Abrew

Seevali De Abrew

hotel
Find your stay

Affordable Hotels in Southern Province

Find a cozy hotel nearby and make it a full experience.

Get the Appoverlay
Get the AppOne tap to find yournext favorite spots!
I have fond childhood memories of visiting the Wewurukannala Viharaya, a temple once known for its magnificent sculptures and impressive architecture. However, during my recent visit, I was saddened to see its deteriorating condition. The temple appears to be struggling to stand on its feet. There has been no visible restoration of the crumbling structures, and when we inquired, we were told that the Archaeological Department prohibits any restoration work. However, it was difficult to see any real efforts in preserving or safeguarding the site. The main Buddha statue, a focal point of the temple, looked faded and neglected, with no signs of recent repairs. Inside, many of the paintings were severely damaged, and the overall lack of care was evident. It was truly disheartening to witness the condition of what was once such a vibrant and respected place of worship. The museum was no better. It was in a state of disrepair, with no lighting and an overall sense of neglect. As we visited the famous clock, we encountered two men sleeping on benches directly across from the entrance, an unsettling sight for a place of reverence. The temple, as a whole, seemed to be operating without direction, and there was a noticeable focus on collecting donations from locals & tourists without any transparency about how those funds were being used. It was heartbreaking to see a temple that once held such significance in my life now standing in such disarray. I sincerely hope that attention is given to preserving this beautiful site, as it deserves far more than what it’s currently receiving.
Buddhika Ekanayake

Buddhika Ekanayake

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When we were driving to the temple my husband asked me to look at the sky above the trees in front of us.That was the first time i saw this beautiful buddha statue.i was shocked to see the giant buddha statue with a calm face.We eagerly entered to the temple to have a full view of it and search the history of the temple Wewrukannala buduraja mahaviharaya dates back to 1782-1798.Its oldest building is about 250 years old. The buddha statue is 160ft high and said to be the largest sitting statue of buddha in srilanka.It is possible to climb up to the top of the statue by the staircase built right behind the statue.it is a 8-10 storied building which has wall paintings in each hall. What makes it worth the climb of all floors is there is a window which is built behind the head of buddha statue through which we can see whats inside the head.It contains jars made out of clay and some tiny buddha statues.those clay jars contains written sculptures of dhamma which were written on ancient "thal"leaves known as "puskola grantha " Another part of the temple is an old building with a tunnel which has wall paintings of the hell.and life size statues of demons and sinners.ancient srilankans are said to be afraid to do sins because they were told the stories of different kinds of punishments sinners will receive at hell. Overall the temple is worth to visit .be mindful of the dress.
samitha siriwardana

samitha siriwardana

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Reviews of Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya

4.2
(978)
avatar
5.0
2y

Wewrukannala Buddha Temple.



Wewrukannala budu raja maha viharaya

Wewrukannala Budu Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple located in the town of Dikwella in the Matara District of Sri Lanka. The temple is famous for its giant statue of a reclining Buddha, which is said to be the largest in Sri Lanka and one of the largest in the world, measuring 50 meters in length.

The temple dates back to the 18th century and has a rich history and cultural significance. In addition to the reclining Buddha statue, there are also other impressive sculptures and artwork within the temple complex, including a collection of over 500 Buddha statues.

Wewrukannala Budu Raja Maha Viharaya is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka and attracts many visitors throughout the year. It is a place of tranquility and spiritual reflection, and visitors can learn about the teachings and practices of Buddhism while enjoying the beauty of the temple and its surroundings.



Write me a detailed review for google map about that

Sure, here's a detailed review for Wewrukannala Budu Raja Maha Viharaya on Google Maps:

Wewrukannala Budu Raja Maha Viharaya is a stunning temple located in Dikwella, Sri Lanka that is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism, history, or culture. This temple is home to a giant statue of a reclining Buddha that is an absolute marvel of engineering and artistry, measuring 50 meters in length.

The temple itself is steeped in history and culture, with a rich heritage that dates back to the 18th century. The temple complex is beautifully designed, with intricate carvings and sculptures that are sure to impress visitors. The collection of over 500 Buddha statues is a sight to behold and is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

The temple is also an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, and it's not hard to see why. The atmosphere here is one of tranquility and serenity, with the sound of chanting and the scent of incense filling the air. It's the perfect place to meditate, reflect, or simply soak up the spiritual ambiance.

The temple is open to visitors all year round, and it's easy to navigate with clear signage and helpful staff. The admission fee is reasonable, and there are plenty of opportunities to purchase souvenirs or make donations to support the upkeep of this incredible temple.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Wewrukannala Budu Raja Maha Viharaya if you're in Sri Lanka. It's a breathtaking destination that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Buddhism, history, and culture. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this temple is a must-see destination that will undoubtedly leave a...

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avatar
4.0
5y

Go - See - “Buddhist Hell” My wife, two grandchildren and I visited Wewurukannala Buddhist temple in the morning hours on 25th December 2019. The temple is famous for its 162 feet tall gigantic seated buddha statue. It is said to be the tallest seated Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. Being a holiday, there were many devotees visiting the temple. Foreign visitors are charged Rs 200 on entry. All visitors are required to dress modestly and leave their footwear at the entrance. The temple is in five parts. The oldest is the image house built in the late 18th century. Its outer face is intricately carved. The inner sanctum is dominated by sculpted buddha statues. In the area surrounding the inner sanctum are sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha’s life, surreal scenes depicting, gods, demons, princes, animals and others. The second building demonstrates the “Hell” as Buddhists believe. People look at these sculptures with wide eyes imagining what it would be like in hell. There are graphic life-size sculptures of miscreants being sawn into pieces, dismembered, skinned, impaled on a spike, made to climb a tree with sharp thorns, eyes pulled out and many other torture details. Beware – be good to avoid having to go to hell!! There is a shrine room dedicated to god Skanda Kumara (Katharagama) At the upper level is the enormous, massive, gigantic seated buddha statue. There is also a bo-tree at the upper level. There were many devotees here at the upper level. The front of the museum has a large clock. Its working mechanism had initially been made of wood and is still on display. The wooden mechanism has now been replaced by a metal replica. The working mechanism of the clock with all its parts can be seen in the upper floor of the museum. The entrance fee to the museum is Rs.5. The time displayed in the clock was however incorrect. We spent about two hours in the temple premises and were rather amused by the gaudy creations at the...

   Read more
avatar
5.0
7y

15 miles east of Matara is the town of Dikwella, where there is one of the most amazing Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. The Wewurukannala Vihara temple is dominated by an image of a seated Buddha. It is 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka and dates back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 – 1798).

The temple has three parts, the oldest being about 250 years old; however this is of no particular interest. The next part has life size models of demons and sinners shown in graphic detail. If you don’t follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Punishments include being drowned in boiling cauldrons, sawn in half, disemboweled and so on. Finally there is the enormous seated Buddha that is as high as an eight-storied building.The temple walls show you the path towards enlightenment by depicting hundreds of comic strip representations of events in the Buddha’s life. Among one of the episodes is the Chulla Dhammapala Jataka. It tells the story of how King Maha Prathapa of Varanasi on entering the palace found the queen cuddling her seven month old child. After ignoring him the King was left insulted so ordered that the prince be executed and the body be thrown into the air. Several Jataka Stories are also amid the paintings, which where selected for Vesak stamps in 1991. One depicts The Kattahari Jataka showing Prince Kastavahana, son of King Brahmadatta resting with his entourage.The temple museum is a must see place if you visit there. The most impressive is the large clock which can be seen from font of the the building. Inside, the mechanism of the clock is protected inside a glass cubicle.

The clock is has been built by a local craftsman called W. Elaris De Silva from Maggona in 1926 and purchased by the priest in 1928 for a sum of 3000 rupees and fixed at the temple. This mechanical masterpiece is working even today and rings at thewawa time at the temple every morning...

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