Welcome To The Official Website Of
Olaboduwa Rajamaha Viharaya
A continuing legacy - cultivating wisdom while preserving tradition, kindness, and mindful living.
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Who we are
A Place of Tradition and Tranquility
Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya is a living Buddhist sanctuary rooted in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Horana, within Kalutara District, Western Province, Sri Lanka. In recognition of its historical value and the need for long-term protection, the Government formally declared the temple premises a Sacred Area under Gazette Extraordinary No. 2174/3 (05 May 2020).
This Sacred Area covers 4.8128 hectares, spanning parts of Olaboduwa, Thalagala, and Kahatapitiya villagesan official conservation boundary created to safeguard the site for future generations. For us, “preserving heritage” is not a slogan; it is day-to-day stewardship: protecting the temple environment, honoring traditional craftsmanship, and ensuring that sacred spaces remain dignified, authentic, and accessible.
A key part of that heritage is the temple’s visual culture. Nationally, this was highlighted when a commemorative postage stamp (issued 06 May 2020) featured the “Thulabhara Danaya” wall painting from the templean acknowledgement that the temple’s art is part of Sri Lanka’s shared heritage, not only a local treasure.
At the same time, the temple exists for the present. We are committed to nurturing the mind through the Buddha’s teaching creating space for worship, reflection, meditation, and Dhamma learning in a calm and respectful setting. Our purpose is to support individuals and families as they build discipline, clarity, compassion, and resilience values that matter as much in modern life as they did centuries ago.
Whether you visit to observe Sil, offer flowers, learn, volunteer, or simply find stillness, you are stepping into a place that carries both responsibility and refugea heritage protected by the nation, and a mind-space protected by practice.
Our Heritage
A Timeless Legacy of Devotion and Tradition
The heritage of Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya is rooted in a deep and enduring legacy of devotion that spans generations. According to traditional temple histories (Vihara Wanshaya), the site’s spiritual lineage is believed to trace back to the era of King Nissankamalla of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom highlighting its long‑standing place in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist cultural memory.
The present temple complex as it stands was established in 1831 as a seasonal monastic residence where Buddhist monks could reside during the annual rainy season (Was), embedding it in the living religious practices of the area. Over time, the temple evolved into a hub for worship, meditation, and community rituals, carrying forward centuries of devotion into the modern era.
In 2020, the Government formally designated the temple grounds as a Sacred Area, underscoring its historical, cultural, and spiritual importance and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Cultural traditions such as the Raigampura Olaboduwa Nawam Maha Perahera reflect how living devotion and communal celebration have remained central to the temple’s heritage weaving together faith, history, and community identity through ongoing practice.
Today, Olaboduwa stands as more than a religious site: it is a living chronicle of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist devotion and a bridge between the rich tapestry of the past and the faith of the present.
Vishnu Dewalaya
Guardian of Devotion and Protection
Within the sacred grounds of Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya, the Vishnu Devalaya stands as a revered shrine dedicated to Upulvan (Lord Vishnu), the guardian deity of Sri Lanka. Vishnu, seen as the protector of the land and the Buddhist Sasana, plays a central role in local spiritual life. His presence at Olaboduwa reflects the harmonious integration of Buddhist and indigenous practices that have shaped the island’s religious landscape for centuries.
The Vishnu Devalaya at Olaboduwa is not only a site for rituals and offerings but also a symbol of the devotion that binds the community. It is deeply tied to the spiritual life of the area, with worshippers seeking divine protection, blessings, and guidance. The shrine is an important part of the temple’s holistic heritage, contributing to both personal and collective well-being.
The Raigampura Olaboduwa Nawam Maha Perahera, an annual procession, honors Vishnu alongside the Buddha, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between these traditions. This vibrant cultural event reflects the temple’s role as a place of living devotion, where ancient rituals continue to thrive.
Today, the Vishnu Devalaya remains a vital part of the Olaboduwa temple complex. Devotees visit the shrine for spiritual solace and blessings, ensuring the continuity of this rich tradition. As a central point of worship, it stands as a guardian of both spiritual devotion and cultural heritage, preserving its timeless significance for future generations.
Did you know?
The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts has issued a stamp depicting Rs. 15.00 on May 06, 2020, to mark the 2564th Vesak commemoration.
The commemorative stamp features a scene from the Thulahara Jathaka, from a mural in Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya, Olaboduwa.
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Nawam Maha Perahara
A Cultural and Spiritual Extravaganza
The Raigampura Olaboduwa Nawam Maha Perahera is one of the most important and vibrant festivals at Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya, held annually around Navam Poya Day. This grand procession is a spectacular showcase of devotion, culture, and tradition, drawing both locals and visitors to experience a living cultural heritage that spans centuries.
The procession features an awe-inspiring display of decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and ritual performers. This rich pageantry not only honors the Buddha and the teachings of the Dhamma but also celebrates the deep spiritual traditions of the area. The Nawam Maha Perahera at Olaboduwa is deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture, with many elements mirroring national celebrations while preserving local devotional practices.
One of the distinctive features of this Perahera is the inclusion of a separate Vishnu Perahera within the larger Nawam Maha Perahera, dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Upulvan). This special procession honors Vishnu, regarded as a guardian deity who protects the land and the Buddhist faith. Vishnu’s devotees gather to pay homage in this unique segment of the Perahera, which is distinctly separate from the main Buddhist procession but equally significant to the community’s spiritual life. The Vishnu Perahera features its own sacred rituals, traditional dancers, and beautifully adorned elephants, symbolizing the protection and blessings sought from the deity.
The dual presence of the Buddhist and Vishnu Peraheras within the Nawam Maha Perahera highlights the harmonious coexistence of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The event not only celebrates the Buddha’s teachings but also acknowledges the role of deities like Vishnu in the island’s spiritual practices.
This unique fusion of religious observances makes the Nawam Maha Perahera at Olaboduwa a truly special event, where cultural and spiritual devotion are expressed in vibrant and meaningful ways, ensuring the continuity of this rich heritage for generations to come
Learning
Learning at Our Dhamma School
At Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya, the Dhamma School serves as a vital centre for Buddhist education and moral development within the community. Often referred to locally as Sri Sumangala Dhamma School, it provides structured lessons on the Buddha’s teachings to children and young learners, helping them understand core Buddhist principles and how to apply them in daily life.
At Olaboduwa’s Dhamma School, students are guided by experienced teachers and community volunteers connected with the temple. The program strengthens young minds by combining scriptural understanding with practical insights into everyday conduct, fostering not only knowledge of Buddhist doctrine but also the ability to live with mindfulness and kindness
Bilingual
Education in both Sinhala and English
Community
Compassion in Action
At Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya, our role extends beyond spiritual practice into active service for the wider community. We organise and support social welfare initiatives that bring practical help to families and individuals facing hardship, reflecting our belief that compassion should be lived, not just taught.
We regularly engage in donation drives and relief efforts to support those in need especially during challenging times and take part in projects that provide school supplies and resources to children, helping to ease the burden on families and encourage educational growth.
In addition to supporting youth and families, we’ve contributed financial assistance to neighboring rural temples, strengthening their capacity to serve their own communities and preserve local spiritual life.
Through all of these efforts, we actively work to be a source of comfort, support, and resilience bringing the teachings of compassion into everyday action and standing alongside our community in both celebration and adversity.
Connect
Stay in Touch With Our Community
Explore the most recent stories, updates, and important moments from Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardenarama Raja Maha Viharaya. From community events and project progress to temple activities and special announcements.