Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara — Attraction in Uva Province

The above Pali stanza means that on the ‘Duruthu’ (January) full moon day, in the ninth month after Enlightenment, the Buddha made his first visit to Lanka, to purge the country from malignant influences of uncanny spirits. On that historic day, the Buddha, having taken his meal near the Anotatta lake, by the foothills of the Himalayas, had left for Sri Lanka by evening to accomplish his mission, because he foresaw that the Buddha Sasana, once established, would remain for 5,000 years. At the time of the Buddha’s visit, the aborigines or the original inhabitants of the country were ‘yakkas’ (demon-worshippers) and ‘nagas’ (snake-worshippers). The ‘yakkas’ were numerous and very powerful, and held themselves aloof and confined themselves to the mountain fastnesses of the North-Central region, whereas the ‘nagas’ confined themselves to the sea-board, and Maniakkhika was the ‘naga’ king of Kelaniya. The luxuriantly wooded Mahanaga garden, on the right-bank of the river Mahaveli, which discharges its confluence into the sea near Trincomalee, was at that time a strategic stronghold of the ‘yakkas’. When Buddha arrived at the Mahanaga garden to intercept the ‘yakkas’ who were assembled there, they were more surprised than alarmed, when they saw him clad in a yellow robe and shaven headed. Being inquisitive of the intruder and to know who he was, the ‘yakka’ chief asked the Buddha, “Who art thou to come here and disturb us?” At once, the Buddha, to their bewilderment, performed a miracle by sitting cross-legged in the air. Now, the ‘yakkas’ through fear, emotional excitement and apprehensive of danger, begged the Buddha to save their lives and set them free. Whereupon, the Buddha, addressed them saving “I shall, O yakkas, save thee from all danger, provided I am offered a place to sit down, and make known to thee my mission”. The evil horde verily agreed saying “O Great Being! We shall offer thee the whole island”. Buddha, having seated at the spot, where the Mahiyangana chetiya now stands, delivered to them a discourse, whereby they became spiritually evaluated and attained the stages of holiness (i.e., the fruits of Sovan, Sakadagami, Anagami and Arhat). Among them was the ‘yakka’ commandant Saman who, after listening to the discourse, became elevated to the first phase of spiritual eminence (‘Sovan’), and came to be known as Saman deviyo, who is now propitiated as the tutelary deity of Sri Pada. The god, thereupon, appealed to the Buddha to give him something as a token of symbolic worship, in the absence of the Buddha. Buddha in accedence of the earnest request, gave the god a handful of hair from his head, which the god accepted with great devotion. The god had the hair-relic secured in a golden reliquary and enshrined it in a small tope 10 ft. high and 24 ft. in circumference (Mhv. 1:36). It is the first cetiya in Sri Lanka, built during the life-time of the Buddha. All other King Sena II (850-885), not only paid his benefactions to the cetiya, but also alienated land for the vihara as a token of gratitude. (Mhv. 51:74). King Kassapa IV (896-913) also alienated a village for the vihara to expand its perimeter. (Mhv. 52:15). King Vijayabahu I (1058-1114), who established the Polonnaruwa kingdom, seeing the ruinous state of the cetiya, overgrown with wild vegetation and fauna, took steps to renovate it, without allowing it to undergo further...

Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Viharaya was a profound exploration of Sri Lanka's rich cultural and religious heritage. Situated in Mahiyanganaya, this sacred site boasts a historical significance that dates back to Lord Buddha's purported visit during his first sojourn to the island.

The temple's architectural marvels, characterized by intricate carvings and detailed embellishments, showcase the classical Sinhalese style. The main stupa, a towering presence at the heart of the complex, exudes tranquility. Stone carvings narrate the tales of Buddhism's journey in the region, creating an immersive experience for visitors.

The pilgrimage to Mahiyanganaya extends beyond a physical journey; it's a spiritual odyssey. The serene surroundings foster an atmosphere conducive to reflection and introspection. Devotees engage in religious rituals, offering flowers and prayers at the sacred spaces within the temple premises.

While the temple holds immense religious importance, its scenic beauty adds to its allure. Surrounded by lush greenery and nestled against the backdrop of the Mahaweli River, Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Viharaya offers a tranquil escape, complementing its spiritual ambiance.

The temple serves as a living museum of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Ancient murals, sculptures, and artifacts provide a glimpse into the cultural nuances of bygone eras. The caretakers and monks share insights into the historical and cultural aspects, enriching the visitor's experience.

Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Viharaya is not just a monument frozen in time; it's a vibrant hub of community engagement. Regular religious ceremonies, cultural events, and educational programs contribute to the temple's dynamic role in the local community, fostering unity and shared heritage.

The temple complex is well-equipped to accommodate visitors, with rest areas, informative signage, and facilities for religious practices. The welcoming demeanor of the temple staff and volunteers adds a warm touch to the overall visit.

In conclusion, Mahiyanganaya Raja Maha Viharaya is not merely a stop on a traveler's itinerary; it's an immersive journey through time and spirituality. The melding of historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural vibrancy makes this sacred site a jewel in the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka, inviting all who visit to partake in its rich legacy and find solace in its...

When the lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the first time it was nine months after his enlightenment. It is said that he set forth on this journey when he foresaw that Buddhism would be kept alive in Sri Lanka for over 5,000 years. Thus it was his intention to ward off any evil forces and keep the way clear for the teachings of Buddhism to be spread. At the time, as stated in the Mahavamsa, the inhabitants were the Yakkas – demon worshippers and Nagas – snake worshippers. When the Buddha arrived at Mahiyangana the Yakkas were gathered in a Garden called Mahanaga. When the Buddha appeared they were alarmed and inquired as to the reason for this intrusion. He replied by performing a miracle before their eyes – seated cross-legged in the air. Bewildered, they begged him to spare their lives, then asked that they listen to his sermon in return. Seated on the place where the Mahiyangana Chaithya stands now, he preached to the Yakkas who were spiritually elevated on hearing his teachings, and some of them attained Sovan, Anagami, Sakadagami and Arhat.

Thereafter Saman, a Yakka chief who attained Sovan and is now considered a deity (Saman Deviyo), asked the Buddha for a relic they could pay homage to after he left them to return to his homeland. The Enlightened One gave him some of his hair which Saman enshrined in a little Stupa. Standing at a height of 10 feet (3m) this was the very first Stupa to be constructed in the island.

Another relic was added to this one in the Stupa and this was the Buddha’s left clavicle bone, recovered from his funeral pyre after he attained Parinirvana, and brought here by an Arahant named Sarabhu. The height of the Stupa was also increased to 18 feet or 5.5m in order to make the structure more impressive.

Since then the Stupa has been renovated and extended by many rulers, including Dutthagamini (who raised the height of the Stupa to 120 feet), Sena II, Voharika Tissa, Vijayabahu I and also Kirthi Sri Rajasinha. A new pinnacle was also added as part of the recent reconstruction work done during the period 1953 – 1980. In fact, a crystal-cut gemstone now adorns the pinnacle which was a gift from Myanmar (Burma) and weighs...