Kiri Vehera

🛕– A Sacred Beacon of Buddhist Heritage in Kataragama

Nestled in the spiritual heart of Kataragama, Kiri Vehera is a revered Buddhist stupa dating back to the 3rd century BC. This ancient structure is attributed to King Mahanaga, brother of King Devanampiyatissa, who ruled the region of Ruhuna and played a crucial role in spreading Buddhism across southern Sri Lanka.

🏯 Architectural Grandeur

Standing 95 feet tall with a circumference of 280 feet, Kiri Vehera is a magnificent example of ancient Sri Lankan stupa architecture. Located just 800 meters north of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, the stupa harmoniously complements the spiritual ambiance of the area, which is visited by devotees of multiple faiths—Buddhist, Hindu, and indigenous alike.

📜 Historical Significance

Kiri Vehera is one of the Solosmasthana—the sixteen most sacred Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. Its construction marks an important phase in the island’s early Buddhist history, symbolizing the religious contributions of King Mahanaga.

Archaeological discoveries at the site, including two stone inscriptions from the 2nd century CE, enrich its historical value. One inscription mentions a local ruler, Mahadali Mahana Raja, and refers to the stupa as Mangalamahaseya of the Kajaragama Raji Maha Vehera, highlighting its stature within the ancient Principality of Ruhuna.

🙏 A Living Place of Worship

Kiri Vehera continues to draw thousands of pilgrims, particularly during the Esala Perahera festival held in July or August. Many devotees visit the stupa after making offerings at the nearby Kataragama Devalaya, reflecting the spiritual bond between the two sacred sites.

The stupa is also believed to mark the location where Lord Buddha visited during his third journey to Sri Lanka, adding further sanctity to the site and reinforcing its spiritual legacy.

🧘‍♂️ Today’s Relevance

Now administered by Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Thera, the Chief Prelate of Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya, Kiri Vehera remains a vibrant hub of worship, meditation, and cultural reverence. Local and international visitors alike come seeking blessings, healing, and inner peace.

Kiri Vehera is not just an ancient monument—it’s a timeless symbol of devotion, a guardian of Buddhist heritage, and a tranquil refuge for all who seek spiritual connection in the sacred city of Kataragama.

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