Bahirawakanda Temple is an iconic religious landmark and one of the best places to visit in Kandy. Located atop the Bahirawakanda Hill, this is a prominent Buddhist temple and religious site known for its massive white Buddha statue. This incredible statue of Lord Buddha can be seen from many parts of Kandy City.
Moreover, this temple is considered as one of the most photogenic places in Sri Lanka. Thus, Bahirawakanda Temple has become a popular Instagram hotspot and tourist attraction in Kandy.
History of the temple
Although this is not an ancient Buddhist temple with a long history, the serene beauty of the temple has attracted many visitors. The initial development of the temple began in 1972 and the temple was opened for worship in January 1993. The specialty of this temple is it is located in a vantage point offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kandy city and its lush green surroundings.
How to reach Bahirawakanda
Bahirawakanda Temple locates in the middle of Kandy City, just 1.2 km distance from the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Thus, it is easily accessible from everywhere in Sri Lanka.
You can reach the temple by walking for 20 minutes up the Bahirawakanda hill. However, the trek is steep and slightly strenuous. Thus, it may be challenging due to the heat in the daytime. The best way to reach there is by hiring a tuk-tuk.
Main entrance
One of the major attractive sights in Bahirawakanda Temple is the photogenic staircase at the entrance. Painted with contrasting red and black colors, this ornamental stairway makes an awe-inspiring scenery.
This elegant stairway is considered one of the top photogenic spots in Sri Lanka. It is quite popular among locals and tourists as an Instagram hotspot.
Statue of Lord Buddha
Upon entering the temple grounds, the epic sight of the meditating statue of Lord Buddha is waiting for you. This massive Buddha statue is the main attraction of the Bahirawakanda Temple.
This impressive statue is in the “Dhyana Mudra” or meditative posture. Standing at 88-foot (27 meters) this is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt, the grandeur of this statue immediately captivates the eyes of visitors.
This enormous Buddha sculpture is made from white-painted concrete with gold highlights on its hands and feet. This huge statue is visible from almost everywhere in Kandy city.
There is a stair that runs behind the Buddha statue to climb higher. You can walk along the stairs for a better view of the landscape. This will allow you to get a marvelous picture of the surroundings.
Main Shrine
The main shrine is the most serene place in the temple. You can see a table for offering flowers to Lord Buddha. Also, there are pictures of the largest statues of Buddha in Sri Lanka. It is a quiet place that hums with devotion, with all the visitors soaking in its tranquility.
The main shrine serves as a place of worship and meditation for Buddhists. Visitors are surrounded by a harmonious blend of spirituality and serenity. Devotees often visit the temple to pay their respects to the Buddha statue and to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The Stupa
Standing tall, the stupa in Bahirawakanda Temple is located adjacent to the main shrine. Although this Stupa isn’t a big one, it is a symbol of Buddhism and embodies the teachings of Lord Buddha in Sri Lanka.
The Bodhi Tree
The revered Bodhi tree offers a shaded sanctuary for the temple. The Bahirawakanda Temple calls the “Sri Maha Bodhi Temple” since this branch of this bodhi tree was bought from the ancient tree of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Anuradhapura.
Temple grounds
The temple ground of Bahirawakanda temple is rather smaller than many other temples in Sri Lanka. But it has been meticulously arranged with flower gardens and scenic walkways providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life below.
Panoramic view from the temple
Bahirawakanda Temple locates on a hill overlooking the city of Kandy, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The scenery is simply stunning, and you can clearly observe the whole of Kandy City and its surroundings.
You may observe the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Udawattakale Sanctuary, Mahaweli River, and surrounding mountain ranges. This breathtaking scenery will give you some memorable photographs in this location.
Religious Significance
Bahirawakanda temple is an excellent venue to learn more about Buddhism and its importance in Sri Lankan culture. Temple gives the opportunity to immerse in Sri Lanka’s rich culture and history. It’s a place where visitors can find both serenity and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature.
Visitors can participate in the temple’s rituals and ceremonies, regardless of their faith or origin. You can light the oil lamps with offerings of flowers. Remember to wear a long dress and remove hats or shoes when entering the temple.
Festivals
Particularly, the temple is illuminated and adorned with vibrant decorations in July-August during the annual Kandy Perahera celebration. During the festival, there are several cultural performances and events to enjoy.
The temple hosts various religious and cultural events throughout the year, including the Vesak Festival, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of Lord Buddha. During Vesak, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights and lanterns, creating a mesmerizing sight.
The best time to visit the temple
The ideal time to visit the Bahirawakanda Temple is afternoon, when the sun is setting creating wonderful scenery. Absolutely, the view of the Bahirawakanda Temple is more fantastic at night, when the entire statue is lit up and the city of Kandy spreads out in a map of twinkling lights.
To sum up, visiting Bahirawakanda Temple gives an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of Kandy and its surroundings. The temple is a popular destination for both tourists and Buddhist pilgrims. Many tourists visit the temple to admire the Buddha statue and take in the panoramic views. Certainly, the journey to this cultural and religious landmark is worth it for the stunning views and the spiritual experience.
