This Buddhist temple is one of the 16 sites of veneration in Sri Lanka for Buddhists. The dagoba has been built on the site where Buddha had come during his first visit to Sri Lanka. It was in the ninth month after he had attained enlightenment.
Story has it that a local chieftain had asked Lord Buddha for a token from him so that people could worship that in the lord's absence. Lord Buddha had given him some of his hair, which were enshrined into the first stupa that the chieftain built here.
This place is a good attraction to visit of one is on the way to Maduru Oya National Park and Dambana village.
Hidden Gems!
1. it was the first stupa to be built in Sri Lanka, hence it is a must visit for a traveller interested in the religious history of the nation.
2. It also consists of a replica of the Buddhist shrine at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, India, commissioned by the late President of Sri Lanka R. A. Premadasa.
When to go
How to reach
This temple is located along the river right inside the Mahiyangana city, on the road going towards Badulla. Both Badulla and Kandy are close to 100 kms from here. Maduru Oya National Park is close to 30 kms.
