Date: 01/10/2011
The
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kelaniya. The temple is situated on the west bank of the river
Kelani (Kalyana) about 10 km north east of Colombo. The visit of the Lord Buddha to
this hallowed site is said to have taken place on a Vesak (May) full moon day
eight years after His Enlightenment, at the invitation of the Naga tribal king,
Maniakkhika. The jewelled throne the Buddha sat on during His preaching, His hair
and some of His utensils is said to have been enshrined in the stupa by the
Naga king.The temple has become famous because of the beautiful paintings and
sculpture. It still retains some of the original paintings as well as
the paintings by the artist called Solis Mendis.
