Kirinda Viharamahadevi Raja Maha Viharaya

This is a temple that is situated on a rock by the beach and is best visited either in the morning or when the sun goes down in the evening. There is some intriguing history behind the temple, so let’s find out what the story is all about.

An enraged king

Over 2000 years ago, a king named Devanampiyatissa once ruled Kelaniya. He was convinced beyond doubt that a monk from the temple encouraged the queen to deceive him with his brother. The king was enraged and ordered that the monk be put to death by boiling in a cauldron.

The infuriated gods

It seems that this brutal act not only shocked and infuriated the people of his land but also the heavens. Tidal waves hit the land he ruled and took away about 15 miles of his kingdom.

The humbled king

The king soon realised his sin and began to repent. In order to win back his people and the gods, he built a ship of gold, filled it with food and drink and set it out to sea with the land’s only princess on it. The princess was found by the king Kavantissa, who ruled Rohona and before long they were married.

Location

The temple is located in the southeast of Sri Lanka by the ocean. It is a 27-minute drive away from Tissamaharama hotels the likes of Kithala Resort.