Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient and highly respected Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, historically significant as the very first place the Buddha visited on the island and famous for its massive white stupa that safely holds his sacred relics.

Why visit Mahiyangana Raja Maha Vihara

• Site of Buddha’s First Visit: The temple is considered the site of Gautama Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon). This occurred in the 6th century BC, nine months after his enlightenment.
• Enshrines Hair Relics and Neck Bone: The temple’s dagoba (stupa) is sacred because it enshrines a handful of the Buddha’s hair relics, given to the god Saman. Later, it also enshrined the cervical spine (neck bone) relic of the Buddha.
• First Stupa in Sri Lanka: The structure is believed to be the first stupa built in Sri Lanka, and potentially one of the earliest Buddhist monuments in the world. It was initially built by the god Saman at a height of 12 cubits.
• One of the Sacred Sites (Solosmasthana): The temple is revered as one of the Solosmasthana, or the 16 most sacred religious sites in Sri Lanka.
• Historical Site of Subduing Yakshas: According to the Mahavamsa, the Buddha landed at the site (then known as Mahanaga Park) to subdue the Yakshas (local demon tribes). Afterward, he preached the Dhamma to the assembled gods.