Bellanwila Temple (Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya)

We started our trip from Katubedda. It's better to visit the temple in early morning or in the evening. So you will be protected from sun heat and also you can enjoy the park nearby.

Histroy

Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is a very significant place for Buddhists because of it's Bo tree. According to historical records , this Bo tree / Bodhi Tree is one of the 32 saplings of sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bohi Tree which is planted in Anuradhapura in 3rd Century. And during the times of Portuguese invasion of the costal areas of Sri Lanka , this temple was abounded. And again in 19 th century , a Buddhist monk named as "Thengodagedara Hamuduruwo" rebuilt this temple.

Bodhi Tree / Bo Tree of Bellanwila Temple

There are similar other 32 Bodhi trees which are planted in the island of Sri Lanka , in different locations.

Bellanwila Temple

The stupa of Bellanwila Temple

A Buddhist stupa is a r hemispherical structure. In Sri Lanka it's also called "Whehera" or "Chaithya". Actually it's a structure which used to protect relics of Lord Buddha. The stupa of Bellanwila Temple is not a large stupa when comparing to the main stupa's of Sri Lanka.

Vihara Geya or Budhu Geya of Bellanwila Temple (Image House)

This is a building which Buddhist use to worship lord Buddha. It contains statues of Buddha , paintings ect. These paintings symbolizes lot of things related to the life of Buddha.

The Nirvana Buddha statue of Bellanwila Temple

This is a Buddha statue which symbolize the last moment of Lord Buddha. This is the last death of Lord Buddha before entering the "Nirwana". So this type of Buddha statues are called Nirvana Buddha statue or Reclining Buddha statue. There are many other Buddha statues which you can see there ..

The Meditation Buddha statue of Bellanwila Temple

This is a very common type of Buddha statue. It’s called the Meditation Buddha or Calming Buddha statue. In these statues , as you can see both hands are in the lap , legs are crossed and one leg is tucked behind the other. There can be different types of Meditation statues. This statue represents concentration or meditation

Standing Buddha statue of Bellanwila Temple

Wall Paintings

We can see lot of Buddhist paintings inside the walls of the vehara geya (Image house) of Bellanwila Temple . Inside this shrine , there are various types of paintings , designs , wall arts which attracts lot of tourists and locals to this temple. I took some photographs to share with you.

Wall paintings around the Meditation Buddha statue of Bellanwila Temple

Wall paintings of Bellanwila Temple

Wall paintings of Bellanwila Temple

Wall paintings of Bellanwila Temple

Wall paintings of Bellanwila Temple

Final Thoughts..

Bellanwila Temple will be a very different travel experience for you. It’s very peaceful and silent location. It will take around 2 hours for you to visit the temple and to cover all the things I mentioned above. Even it’s a religious temple , there is no restriction for anybody belongs to any religion. In any Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka , you have freedom to visit and watch. Try this place in your vacation to Sri Lanka.