Religious and Spiritual Sites in Sri Lanka: A Sacred Journey

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the royal palace complex of Kandy is the most famous temple in Sri Lanka as it houses the Lord Buddha’s Sacred Tooth. It was built in the late 16th century in a unique traditional Kandyan method using wooden carvings and gold motifs etc. There are daily offerings done by monks three times a day, which is known as Thewawa. It is very famous among both locals and tourists for its ceremonial and vibrant Esala Perhara that is mostly held annually either in July or August. This temple is famous for the Raja Tusker Museum where the former resident elephant’ Raja’ who did the honour of carrying the Sacred Tooth Relic for over 50 years in Esala perahera is now taxidermied and displayed in the temple grounds after his unfortunate death in the year 1988. 

Ruwanwelisaya is a sacred stupa for Buddhists located within the Mahamewna gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Anuradhapura. King Dutugemunu built it in 140 BCE in a bell shaped design and it is 103 metres tall. However, it was damaged and renovated multiple times and at present, the height of the temple is said to be 91 metres. 

The Kataragama Temple is a very sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus and indigenous vedda people and it is located in Uva Province, Sri Lanka. It is a multi religious place where there is a mosque and several Buddhist shrines in the very same complex. However, it is primarily dedicated to god Kataragama who is also known as Murugan or Skanda. It is a pilgrimage site where many devotees across the Island and from South India visit this place annually. There are many unique daily rituals like fire walking, Kavadi dances and fruit offering conducted at this place. It is famous for its grand procession of Esala Perhara annually in July or August.

Adam’s Peak also known as the Sri Padaya is a very famous multi religious pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. It is located on a mountain in the Central hills of Sri Lanka, near Hatton and the summit features a rock formation that is believed to be a footprint of Buddha by Buddhists, Shiva’s by Hindus, Christians and Muslims believe that it belongs either to Adam or  St.Thomas. It is recommended to visit this location during the period from December to May.  It offers stunning sunrise views and multiple routes with stairways for climbing.

Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features over 150 Buddha statues along with figures of other gods and kings. It is located in Dambulla area, Central Province, Sri Lanka and it was used as a refuge by ancient kings in 1st Century BCE.  It has five main caves that have Buddhist statues etc.  It features a very unique rock cut architecture and many paintings of Jataka tales.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most important Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka that is primarily dedicated to Lord Murugan and it is located in Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. It replicates south indian temples architectural style.  There are many daily rituals and special festivals conducted that attract many believers to this location. It is a key centre for the Hindu Tamil Community in Jaffna peninsula that was originally built in the 18th century. 

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is one of the oldest living trees in the world and it is located in the Mahamewna gardens in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is a sacred fig tree and a primary pilgrimage that attracts thousands of Buddhist visitors annually. It is considered as a major symbol of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is protected by a wall and has separate places allocated for worship purposes.

Gangaramaya Temple is a very preeminent temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka that is prominent for teaching, meditating, learning and community services. It is famous for its large Buddha statues, beautiful landscapes and vibrant vesak celebrations. It was built in the late 19th century and has a museum that displays many religious arts etc.

Jami UI-Alfar Mosque is a primary religious location for the Muslim community of Colombo as it is located in Pettah. It is mainly occupied for prayers, community gatherings and educational activities. It is famous for its special white and red striped design that radiates vibrant extensive architecture and growing worshippers.It is considered to be one of the most famous mosques in colombo. 

St.Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade is a major pilgrimage for the Catholics in Sri Lanka and it attracts thousands of believers especially during the annual feast of St.Anthony held in June.It is renowned for its miracles and answered prayers. It is a main centre for community services, welfare, charity work and religious activities.

Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulder and knee areas when visiting these religious sites as a sign of respect towards those religions.

Remove Footwear: It's recommended to remove shoes before entering temples and shrines.

Photography: Certain spiritual sites don't allow you to take photographs so be mindful to ask for permission in such occasions.

Respectful Participation: Visit, observe and respect those locations silently without disturbing other believers engaged in worship.

Time for Visits: Check the time for the locations where certain daily rituals or prayers are conducted for a better experience.