The city of Kelaniya and The Royal Temple

The City of Kelaniya is located in the western province of Sri Lanka just seven miles from Colombo. “Kelaniya” the land of the “Nagas” (Snake tribe) is one of the oldest cities of Aryan settlements in the Island; older that the great ancient capital of Anuradhapura. The History of Kelaniya runs back before 500 BC, then known as “Kalyani Ngar”. The most significant and popular place of visit in Kelaniya is the “Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya” (the Kelaniya Royal temple) located near the beautiful Kelani River.

It is believed that Lord Buddha’s third and final visit was to Kelaniya; on the eighth year after his Enlightenment, on a Wesak Poya day. The Buddha preached seated on a gem studded Gold Thrown made for his arrival by the Naga King Maniakkhika. This gem studded Gold Thrown is believed to be enshrined in the large stupa in the Kelaniya temple along with his hair, utensils and many other countless number of Treasures.

The arrival of Lord Buddha at Kelaniya and the Gem studded Thrown painted by Soliyas Mendis Another interesting story revolving around Kelaniya is the Tsunami that occurred nearly 2250 years back. Kelaniya was ruled under King “Kelanitissa” around the 2nd Century BC. The Mahawansa (National book of History of Sri Lanka) states that he made an Arahath Thera killed by drowning him in a Hot tub of oil, hence as repercussions Kelaniya and many villages around it was flooded by the sea killing Lives and destroying properties.

During the period of the Portuguese in the 15th Century, the Kelaniya Temple was almost at its Ruins. The Portuguese destroyed many historical buildings in Kelaniya, and looted a vast amount of treasure.

Destruction of the Kelaniya temple By the Portuguese (by Soliyas Mendis) The Temple was later renovated and developed by the patronage of Lady Helena Wijewardana. The process was initiated in the year 1927 and completed in the year 1946. The new image house was constructed as an attachment to the old Kandyan Image house. The new paintings were done by one of the most famous artist of Ceylon Mr. Soliyas Mendis. He used ancient methods of painting and has used natural materials for colours from trees, roots and other sources of nature. Indian artisans were imported to do all the craft work that can be seen around the temple and took nearly 20 years to complete. The Dagoba or the Stupa was renovated to be in its original shape and is been worshiped by many Buddhist throughout the year.

The Kelani Perahera is held in the month of January commonly known as the “Navam Perahara”. The temple consists of many interesting elements and also has a small Museum. There is more History and legends surrounding Kelaniya, making Kelaniya temple one of the Must visit places of Sri Lanka.