Top 8 Beautiful Temples in Weligama

As you already know, the main religion of Sri Lanka is Theravada Buddhism. Over 70% percent of Sri Lankan people believe in Theravada Buddhism. Temple is the place where Buddhists go to worship buddha and do their religious activities. like other religious people go churches, kovils or mosques.

Almost every temple has 3 main things. They are a Bo Tree, a Stupa, and Statues of Buddha. 

Temples are always open for everyone it doesn't matter whether you are a Buddhist or you are from another religion.  People always come to temples because it makes their minds relax.

Here are 8 amazing Buddhist temples near Weligama.

1. Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya - Temple Agrabodhi
2. Bodhimalu viharaya - Temple Bodhimalu
3. Sri Gangarama Rajamaha viharaya Polwaththa 
4. Sri Sudarshanaramaya Welihinda - Sudarshanaramaya
5. Rajakulawadana Raja Maha Viharaya
6. Sri Somananda Piriwena
7. Anandhagiri Viharaya, Walana
8. Kudalumulla Abhinavarama Temple

• Rest House Junction Bo Tree

1. Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya - Temple Agrabodhi

Temple agrabodhi is the most ancient temple in Weligama city. which goes dates back to the time of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC) (2300 years before).

According to the Sinhala Bodivansa, the Bo tree of Agrabodhi Rajamaha Vihara temple is the very first sapling out of the first 32 saplings of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Bo Tree (oldest historically authenticated tree in the world). 

The Stupa of Agrabodhi Rajamaha Vihara temple was erected around 1890.
Also, there is a Statue house with statues of Lord Buddha and other Theros. There are some drawings on walls that tell some stories of the ages of Lord Buddha.

The famous statue Kushtarajagala is also located very close to the Agrabodhi Temple. The story of the Kushtarajagala is also related to the Agrabodhi Temple.

The temple is located near the Siddhartha school and Senanayake playground, about 1.5 kilometers from Weligama city.

2. Bodhimalu viharaya - Temple Bodhimalu

Temple Bodimalu is another ancient temple in Weligama.

The stupa of bodhimalu viharaya has a Rarely-seen finish, which calls "watadageya". There are only a few of them in Sri Lanka. This temple consists of a bo tree, stupa, and image house.

Every evening lot of Buddhist people visit the bodimalu temple to worship. The temple is full of people on Poya days since it is very close to Weligama main town.

The temple is situated in hettiweediya Weligama, about 500-600 meters from Weligama city.

3. Sri Gangarama Rajamaha viharaya Polwaththa

This an another one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka. it consists of a Bo Tree, a Stupa (which has a bell shape), and a statue house. the statue house has many wall paintings and statues that tell about lord buddha. The ancient look and calmness of the temple space will make your mind relax.

Polwaththa Ganagarama temple is situated in Weligama polwatta. about 2 kilometers from Weligama main city. it is not hard to find this place since it is situated right next to polwatta road. 

4. Sri Sudarshanaramaya Welihinda - Sudarshanaramaya

Sri sudarshanaramaya temple is among the most famous temples in the southern province. sudarshanaramaya temple is built in the 17 century. the temple is consists of a bo tree, stupa, and image room.

The temple is full of people on Poya days because it is the largest and famous temple in that area. also, This an another best mind relaxing place.

Sudarshanaramaya temple is situated in the Welihinda area right next to the Weligama-akuressa road. about 6 kilometers away from Weligama main city.

To visit temple sudarshanaramaya you can use either public transportation or your own vehicle. public transportation buses are available from 6.30 am to 6.00 pm hourly at Weligama bus station.

5. Rajakulawadana Raja Maha Viharaya - Temple Rajakulawadana

Even though this temple is considered a separate temple in the present, in the past, it was a part of an Agrabodhi temple. which means the history of this temple dates back more than 1000 years. also, there are many mentions in Sri Lankan ancient chronicles about this temple. 

This temple also consists of bo trees, a stupa, and an image house.
Rajakulawadana temple is situated in Weligama right next to the Siddhartha college school. about 1 kilometer away from Weligama main city.

6. Sri Somananda Piriwena - Somananda Temple

Somananda temple is situated on the opposite side of the wall of Rajakulawadana temple. Although these two temples look like one temple from the outside, the Rajakulawadana temple and the Somananda temple are two separate temples.

This temple also consists of a bo tree, a stupa, and an image house.

7. Anandhagiri Viharaya, Walana

This temple is located in the village of Walana. The road to this temple is surrounded by 2 paddy fields. When you visit this place you will feel rural even though this place is very close to the city. This temple is very peaceful and calm.

This temple also consists of a bo tree, a stupa, and an image house.

8. Kudalumulla Abhinavarama Temple

Kudalumulla temple is sitauted in weligama batawala area. about 3-4 kilometers away from the Weligama main city. it is also a calm and quiet place which has sandy ground and average space. the temple consists of bo trees, stupa, and image house.

To visit this place you should use your own vehicle or hire a tuk-tuk since public transportation of this area is not continuously working. 

Rest House Junction Bo Tree

This place is not a complete temple. It has a bodhi tree and small Buddha statues. Some locals pay homage to the tree as they pass by this place. 

When you are entering Weligama town by the coastal road, you will find this place about a kilometer before the town.

see all these temples on google map

FAQ

Why you should visit temples?

A visit to a temple can relax your mind and can also relieve you from the everyday stresses of life.

Things to do in temples?

⦁    lighting oil lamps
⦁    lighting Incense sticks
⦁    meditating

Etiquette for Visiting Buddhist Temples

⦁    Remove Your Hat and Shoes
⦁    Lower your voice, do not shout.
⦁    Dress modestly, do not become sexually attractive.
⦁    Women, do not touch Buddhist monks.
⦁    Do not consume alcohol and narcotics at temples

Other temples to visit near Weligama

1.    paravi duwa temple matara
2.    weherahena temple
3.    sithulpawwa rock temple
4.    mulgirigala temple
5.    japan peace temple -jungle beach Unawatuna
6.    Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple - Galle fort

If there’s anything you would like to know about these temples, don’t hesitate to send us a message.