This towering 88-foot white Buddha statue sits on a hill overlooking Kandy, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the historic city, surrounding mountains, and Bogambara Lake.

Why visit Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue

• The Giant, Iconic Buddha Statue: The temple is most famous for its giant Buddha statue, which is approximately 26.8–27 meters high (88 feet). Consequently, it can be seen from almost any point in the city of Kandy.
• Historic Mountain Legend: Bahirawakanda, or “Gnome Mountain,” is linked to ancient folklore about an evil gnome (Bahirawa) deity residing on the hill. Legends claim it demanded annual human sacrifices (e.g., beautiful virgins or maidens) to appease it.
• Positioned for Panoramic Views: Located just 2 km from the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the temple sits on a high mountain peak. A flight of stairs behind the statue allows visitors to climb higher. Therefore, it offers magnificent panoramic views of the entire city.
• Historical Royal Sacrifice Rituals: The mountain was once the site of a Bahirawa Devalaya (shrine to the protective deity Bahirawa). Folklore mentions human sacrifice rituals (e.g., of maidens), though some sources note animal sacrifice was more common historically; claims link this to the Nayakkar period.
• Significance of the Statue's Pose: The large white statue of Lord Buddha is seated in the Dhyana Mudra (meditation pose), often associated with Nirvana or Enlightenment.