Athugala Viharaya, also known as Athugala Rajamaha Viharaya, is a Buddhist temple located in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. It is situated at the top of Ethagala (Elephant Rock), a massive rock formation that resembles an elephant. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and a well-known tourist attraction due to its religious significance and breathtaking panoramic views of Kurunegala.
Key Features of Athugala Viharaya
Due to importance of religious and panoramiv views, Athugala Viharaya is very popular destination of local people and most of the people tend to visit there in evenings.
Giant Buddha Statue in the temple
The temple is famous for its huge white Buddha statue, which is around 88 feet (27 meters) tall. This statue is one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in Sri Lanka and is visible from far across the city.
Scenic Viewpoint
The temple offers a stunning 360-degree view of Kurunegala and the surrounding landscapes, including lakes, mountains, and the cityscape.
Historical and Religious Significance
Athugala Viharaya is a place of Buddhist worship, attracting many devotees. It is believed that the rock was once an important meditation site.
Ethagala (Elephant Rock)
The temple is located on a rock that is about 316 meters (1,037 feet) above sea level. The rock is named “Ethagala” because it resembles the shape of a resting elephant.
Peaceful Atmosphere
The temple is known for its calm and serene environment, making it a great place for meditation and spiritual reflection.
Reaching Athugala Viharaya from Kurunegala and Colombo
Athugala viharaya is located just 1km away from Kurunegala city. The temple can be reached by a winding stairway or by road, making it accessible to both pedestrians and vehicles.
And also, it is located about 94 km away from Colombo, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Tourist who visit Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Jaffna can visit Athugala Viharaya during the journey.
History of Athugala Viharaya
Athugala Viharaya was built in the late 20th century as part of efforts to enhance the religious and cultural significance of Ethagala (Elephant Rock) in Kurunegala. The giant Buddha statue at the site was constructed under the guidance of local Buddhist monks and the support of devotees and philanthropists from the region.
While there isn’t a single well-documented individual credited with its construction, the temple was developed with the backing of government authorities, local organizations, and Buddhist religious leaders.
The massive Buddha statue was erected to symbolize peace and provide a sacred space for Buddhist worshippers. Over the years, the temple has become a major spiritual and tourist attraction in Kurunegala.