Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, an ancient Buddhist temple in Badulla town, is a fascinating destination for both spiritual seekers and travelers. Located in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, this site is known for its rich history, spiritual value, and impressive architecture. It is a must-see for those interested in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.
Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is one of the 16 Solosmasthana, sacred places in Sri Lanka where it is believed that the Buddha visited. According to tradition, after reaching Enlightenment, the Buddha came to Sri Lanka for the third time at the invitation of the Naga king Maniakkitha. During this visit, a local leader named Indaka welcomed the Buddha to Badulla. To honor the Buddha, Indaka placed sacred relics, such as strands of hair and drops of sweat, into a stupa at this site. This stupa is now known as Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara.
Although not mentioned in major historical texts like the Mahavamsa, the older Samantapasadika highlights the site’s importance. This text describes the Buddha’s visit and stay at Muthiyangana, making it a highly respected place for Buddhists. Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is also one of the 32 Buddhist sites where saplings from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura were planted, adding to its sacred status.
When visiting Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, check local schedules for visiting hours, as the temple is open daily. There is usually no entrance fee, but donations are appreciated.
Nearby attractions include Dunhinda Falls and the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, which are great places to visit during your trip.
Route from Colombo
To reach Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara from Colombo, you have several travel options. You can take a bus from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah (Bus route 99) to Badulla. This journey typically takes around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic. Upon arriving at the Badulla Bus Terminal, the temple is only about 1 km away, and you can either walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to reach it.
If you prefer a scenic route, consider taking a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Badulla. The train ride is longer, about 8-10 hours, but it offers breathtaking views of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Once you arrive at Badulla Railway Station, Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is just a short tuk-tuk ride or a 10-15 minute walk away.
