A Comprehensive Guide to the Ancient Viharayas in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is renowned for its vibrant history, with an ancient civilisation that thrived from the 5th century BC to the 13th century C.E. The cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy are filled with ancient ruins and temples, providing an insight into the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Many of these remains consist of monastic architecture, and are predominantly Buddhist. Here is a guide to exploring ancient viharayas in Sri Lanka:

The word Viharaya comes from Sanskrit, and signifies a meeting or dwelling place for monks. It was also a place of veneration of the Buddha, and used for teaching, learning and meditation. In addition to the ancient Buddhist monasteries, there were preaching halls, an image house and a sacred Bo tree. The Viharaya also has a Dagoba or Stupa enshrining a sacred relic of the Buddha, those of his early disciples or a Buddhist saint.

The Anuardhapura Maha Viharaya or the Great Monastery was established under King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BCE. It is said to have housed over 3000 monks according to the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa Hien, who visited and wrote about ancient Sri Lanka. Following clashes with the rival Abhayagiri Viharaya (open to both Theravada and Mahayanist traditions) the main complex was destroyed. What remains today is the Thuparama dagoba, which enshrines the right collar bone of the Buddha and the remains of the Brazen Palace.

The Abhayagiri Vihara complex is spread over more than 500 acres. Founded by King Vatta Gamini Abhaya (Valagambahu) in the 1st century BCE, it is venerated as being the custodian of the sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha when it was first brought to Lanka. Abhayagiri’s fame as a centre of learning spread to India, Java and China, surviving for more than 1000 years. However, due to repeated invasions from South India, Anuradhapura was gradually abandoned. The complex was covered by the jungle until restoration began in the 19th century.

The Jetawanaramaya is an imposing sight even today. It stood at 122 metres from its vast base of over 233,000 sq.metres to its spire (sadly no longer in its original state), and was the tallest stupa in the world and the third-tallest structure after the great pyramids of Egypt. Begun in the 2nd century CE by King Mahasena to restore the destroyed Maha Viharaya complex, it symbolised his return to Theravada Buddhism.

The monastery complex is thought to have housed 10,000 monks and was a rival to the orthodox Theravada doctrines of the Maha Viharaya. It is a sereneand awe-inspiring sight especially on a full moon night.

Gal Vihara or Gal Viharaya, translates to “Rock Monastery.” This site was originally part of the Northern temple, established by King Parakramabahu I. Parakramabahu, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest kings, re-established control of Polonnaruwa in the 11th century CE after driving out the Cholas. The Polonnaruwa of today showcase the remains of his reign. Sri Lankan archaeology has uncovered the mix of South Indian and Buddhist elements in the great edifices of the city.

Among the magnificent buildings and sculptures, the majestic rock carvings of the standing and reclining Buddha in the Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara complex take pride of place. They measure 23 feet and 15 feet in height respectively. The complex features four statues, including three rock-cut figures and a smaller one located in a partially man-made cave. All four are carved from a single enormous boulder.

Travellers to Polonnaruwa can unwind in Dambulla or Sigiriya nearby, with luxury eco-resorts like Jetwing Vil Uyana or five-star hotels such as Jetwing Lake, set amidst lush surroundings.

The Lankatilaka Raja Maha Vihara, also known as Lankatilaka Temple, is situated in the Udunuwara region of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill capital. This impressive structure was built as a four-story edifice. At a height of eighty feet, it is perched on a rock formation that offers stunning views of the Hantane mountain range. The history of the Lankatilaka Vihara traces back to the Gampola period, and was established under King Buwanekabahu IV in 1344 AD.

Visitors to Kandy can find top luxury hotels in the area, such as Jetwing Kandy Gallery.

Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage can be explored through the ancient viharaya. The impressive ruins of these sacred structures continue to attract visitors, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural achievements of the past.