Nelligala International Buddhist Center (Sinhala: නෙල්ලිගල ජාත්යන්තර බෞද්ධ මධ්යස්ථානය) or Nelligala Viharaya is a modern Buddhist temple in Muruthalawa village in Kandy District, Sri Lanka. Established at the summit of the Nelligala mountain [771 m (2,529.53 ft. amsl)], the site is popular among sightseeing visitors and tourists due to its scenic view of the surrounding landscape. It is visited by both Buddhists and people from other religions.
History
After purchasing the land in 2014, the construction work of the Nelligala Temple was started in 2015, under the guidance of Buddhist monk Wathurakumbure Dhammarathna Thera.
The site
Presently, the site is highly venerated by the Buddhist community in the region. It is said that the sacred relics of the Buddha and Arhats are enshrined at this temple. Local and foreign tourists who follow the Buddhist culture use the library facilities from this place.
A Stupa, an image house, a Bodhi tree and a Pagoda have been established at the site for various religious rituals. The Bodhi tree has been planted in a golden bowl while the six standing Buddha statues painted in gold and the statue of God Sumana Saman on white elephant back, the Buddhist deity of Sri Pada Mountain adding a unique appearance to the temple. The right hands of the six golden Buddha statues show Vitarka Mudra (argumentation gesture) with left hands hanging relaxed plam outward.
The image house is near the Bodhi tree and its entrance is flanked by a pair of golden lions. The walls of the antechamber is painted depicting murals of Buddhist themes. Caskets with relics and other valuable materials are preserved in the image house. A golden Pagoda type structure of Thailand or Myanmar is found near the Stupa.
Some of the famous mountains such as Sri Pada, Hanthana, Knuckles, Alagalla, and Batalegala can be seen from the Nelligala Viharaya premises on clear days.
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See also
Location Map
This page was last updated on 26 August 2023
