Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena

The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is a very special and peaceful Buddhist temple located on a hill in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important places for Buddhism in the country. This temple is the main office for many other temples and is home to monks who spend their time praying and studying. It was built hundreds of years ago and still looks beautiful today with its old buildings and quiet gardens.

📌Why Should You Visit

📜 Guardians of the Tooth Relic: The monks here help take care of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is kept in the famous Temple of the Tooth. 

📜 Ancient History: It was founded way back in the 14th century! 

📜 Royal Connection: The kings of Kandy used this land for many royal ceremonies. 

📜 Quiet Atmosphere: Unlike the busy streets of Kandy town, this temple is very calm and lets you relax your mind. 

📌Other Important Details

🌿 The Name: The name "Asgiri" comes from an old word meaning "Bear Rock." 

🌿 Royal Burial Ground: Part of the temple grounds, called "Adahana Maluwa," was where the ancient Kings and Queens of Kandy were cremated.

🌿 Architecture: You can see three main parts here: the Old Temple, the Middle Temple, and the New Temple. Each has its own style from different years. 

🌿 The Pirivena: It is a school where young monks learn about Buddhism, history, and languages.

📌Things to do there

💧 See the Big Buddha: Look for the massive 36 foot statue of the Buddha lying down. It is carved  right out of the rock! 

💧 Walk the Grounds: Take a slow walk through the temple courtyards to see the beautiful wooden carvings and old paintings. 

💧 Enjoy the View: Since the temple is on a hill, you can see amazing views of Kandy city and the lake from the top. 

💧 Talk to a Monk: If you see a monk who isn't busy, you can say hello and learn a bit about their daily life. 

📌How to Get There

🚶‍♂️ By Foot: If you are in Kandy town, it’s a short walk (about 15 - 20 minutes) uphill from the lake area. 

🛺 By Tuk-Tuk: This is the easiest way. Any tuk - tuk driver in Kandy will know where it is, and it only takes a few minutes. 

🚌  By Bus: You can take a local bus heading towards the Asgiriya area from the main Kandy bus stand.

📌What Experience Can Visitors Get

📜 Deep Peace: The sound of birds and the smell of incense make it feel very spiritual. 

📜 Cultural Learning: You get to see how Buddhist monks live and study in the modern day while keeping old traditions alive.

📜 Visual Beauty: The bright murals (paintings) on the walls tell stories of the Buddha’s life that are very colorful and pretty. 

📌Important Tips and Guides

✅ Dress Code: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. White or light colored clothes are best. 

✅ Shoes and Hats: You must take off your shoes and hat before entering the temple buildings. 

✅ Keep Quiet: People come here to meditate and pray, so please talk softly.

✅ Photos: You can usually take photos, but never turn your back to a Buddha statue for a selfie. It is considered very disrespectful. 

✅ Donations: You don't have to pay to enter, but you can put a small donation in the till box to help maintain the temple. 

The Asgiri Maha Vihara Pirivena is a must see for anyone visiting Kandy. It’s a place where you can learn about Sri Lanka’s royal past, see beautiful art, and find a moment of peace away from the crowds. Whether you are religious or just love history, you will find something special here.