Kande Vihara
Kande Vihara is a significant Buddhist temple located in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka, named for its hilltop position near Aluthgama town. Formally recognized as an archaeological site, it has been a major Buddhist shrine since its founding in 1734, undergoing renovations and development under state patronage.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1734 by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero.
- ›Incorporated the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, in 1904.
- ›Features an ancient Bodhi tree believed to be over 300 years old.
- ›The main Stupa, built in 1935, encloses a smaller stupa from 1783.
- ›Home to a gigantic Samadhi Buddha statue (48.8m tall) completed in 2007.
- ›The relic chamber is considered the oldest building on the premises, adorned with Kandyan Era frescoes.
Important Relationships
- Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara
- Weliwita Sri Saranankara Thero
- Udugama Chandrasara Thero
- Karapagala Dewamitta Thero
- Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero
- Ancient Bodhi Tree
- Bell-Shaped Stupa Enclosing A Smaller Stupa
- Gigantic Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Relic Chamber With Kandyan Era Frescoes
- Moonstone and Carved Doorframe At Relic Chamber Entrance
- Image House With Jataka Tales and Buddha Life Murals
- Founding of the Temple
- Attachment of Kshethrarama Pirivena
- Construction of the Large Stupa
- Laying of Foundation Stone For Samadhi Buddha Statue
- Completion and Public Opening of Samadhi Buddha Statue
Kandyan Era
About Kande Vihara
Kande Vihara is a prominent Buddhist temple situated in the Kalutara District of Sri Lanka, near the town of Aluthgama. Its name, meaning 'Mountain temple,' reflects its location atop a hill. The temple holds significant historical and religious importance, having been formally recognized by the Sri Lankan government as an archaeological site.
History and Development
The temple's establishment dates back to 1734, founded by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero under the guidance of Udugama Chandrasara Thero. Since its inception, Kande Vihara has undergone continuous renovation and development, often supported by state patronage, which has elevated it to the status of a major Buddhist shrine in the country.
An important development occurred in 1904 when the Kshethrarama Pirivena, an educational institution for monks, was attached to the temple through the efforts of Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero. This pirivena continues to serve as a center for Buddhist education and is operated by Kande Vihara.
Notable Structures and Features
Among the most ancient elements within the temple complex are the image house, the main Stupa, and the sacred Bodhi tree, which is believed to be over 300 years old. The current large Stupa, erected in 1935, is architecturally notable for enclosing a smaller stupa that was constructed by Udugama Chandrasara Thero in 1783.
More recently, the temple gained further popularity with the foundation stone laid in 2002 for a gigantic Samadhi Buddha statue. This statue, completed and opened to the public in 2007, stands at a height of 48.8 meters (160 ft) and is recognized as one of the world's tallest sitting Buddha statues.
Architectural and Religious Significance
The temple complex includes the Stupa, Bodhi Tree, Relic Chamber, Image House, and several main Devalas, such as Upulvan, Kataragama, and Pattini Devalaya. The Stupa itself is designed in a bell shape and is housed within an octagonal shelter.
The relic chamber is considered the oldest structure on the premises, featuring a carved stone moonstone and door frame at its entrance. Its inner walls and ceiling are adorned with intricate Kandyan Era frescoes, representing the latter part of that period. The image house consists of inner and outer chambers, with its entrance marked by an ornate Thorana with three arch-shaped entrances. Inside, visitors can find Buddha images in standing, seated, and sleeping postures. The walls and ceilings of both chambers are decorated with murals depicting Jataka tales, significant moments from the Buddha's life, and various other scenes.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kande Vihara founded?
Kande Vihara was founded in 1734 by Karapagala Dewamitta Thero. Its development and renovations have continued over time under state patronage, solidifying its status as a major Buddhist shrine.
What are the notable ancient structures at Kande Vihara?
The image house, Stupa, and the sacred Bodhi tree with its octagonal wall are considered very old monuments. The Bodhi tree is estimated to be more than 300 years old, and the main stupa encloses a smaller one constructed in 1783.
What is special about the Buddha statue at Kande Vihara?
In 2007, a 48.8-meter (160 ft) tall Samadhi Buddha statue, depicting the Bhoomisparsha Mudra, was completed. It is considered one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues globally and has increased the temple's popularity.
What architectural styles are present at Kande Vihara?
The temple showcases elements of Kandyan Era architecture, particularly in the frescoes adorning the relic chamber. The main stupa is built in a bell shape within an octagonal shelter.
What is the significance of the Kshethrarama Pirivena?
The Kshethrarama Pirivena, attached to Kande Vihara in 1904, is an educational institution for monks. It plays a role as a center for Buddhist education in Sri Lanka and is managed by the temple.
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