If you are looking for rewarding things to do in Bentota then visiting the Kande Viharaya located about 6 kilometres away would be one of the spiritually fulfilling experiences you can enjoy. It is a historically significant Buddhist temple and a prominent landmark located in Atulgambadde, Aluthgama in the Kalutara District that dates back to 1734 and was found by Venerable Karapagala Dewamitta Thero. With a remarkably long history, it is a perfect place even in the present day and age for Buddhist devotees to worship complete with all important elements required in a Buddhist temple. It has several present day vital links with the Buddhist cultural and religious activities of Sri Lanka with throngs of white clad devotees flocking to the premises daily to pay homage. Many resorts and hotels such as Saman Villas have included a visit to Kande Viharaya as one of their key religious and cultural excursions.
What makes this temple stand out from the rest with its presence are its stupa, relic chamber, Bo tree, image house, Sri Vishnu maha devalaya and the four maha devalas consisting of Kataragama devalaya. The ancient Bo tree, the Dhamma hall and Poya See-ma are situated outside the vihara premises. The stupa is erected in a bell shape with an octagonal shelter for it, is another unique feature. The base of the stupa is decorated with moulding flower petals and above it there are three basal terraces, the dome and upon it a square that enclosures with a Bo leaf engraved in every corner.
It is believed that the relic chamber at the Kande Viharaya is the oldest building that can be seen today. There is a beautifully created moonstone on the ground and a door frame that is made of stone at the entrance to the relic chamber. The relic casket is placed in the innermost chamber providing security. The ceiling and the walls of the chamber are decorated with paintings that belong to the latter part of the Kandyan era.
Filled with wanderlust that seeks to explore distant shores and captivated by the colors and vibrancy of exotic cultures, Kanya Mae writes on the beautiful, exciting, and enchanting wonders of the world. She is a writer who not only has a passion for travel, but also has a background in fashion, art and media. Google+
