Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
The large white stupa in the middle of Tissamaharama, traditionally founded by King Kavantissa more than two thousand years ago and still a working place of worship.
What the Raja Maha Vihara actually is
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist monastery in the centre of the town, best known for its white brick stupa, often called the Tissa Dagoba. Tradition credits it to King Kavantissa, a ruler of the southern Ruhuna kingdom in the 2nd century BC. Wikipedia dates the reign to roughly 186–161 BC; Lonely Planet gives about 200 BCE.
The stupa has been rebuilt more than once. Wikipedia records restoration beginning in 1858 and finishing in stages through 1900, with steel cables wrapped round the dome after cracks appeared in 1990 and a final repair in 1998. That is why it looks fresh and white rather than ancient. Heights differ between sources, from about 47 m to 56 m, so ‘around 50 m’ is the safe way to say it.
The Mahavamsa names a frontal-bone relic of the Buddha as the main relic here, and an inscription from Kirinda suggests a tooth relic too. The monastery was historically linked to Tissa Wewa and held large land grants. Today it is an active temple, lit at night, with a statue of Queen Viharamahadevi nearby.
Worth your attention
The dome
A white brick dome on a square granite platform, with a pinnacle topped by a reported red gem.
The platform
Walk it in bare feet and note how the stupa dominates the paddy and town around it.
Viharamahadevi’s statue
Kavantissa’s queen, mother of Dutugemunu, stands nearby.
Sandagiri Dagoba
A smaller stupa close by that most visitors skip.
Before you go
Do this
- Dress modestly and go barefoot on the platform
- Visit at dawn or dusk, when the dome glows
- Walk on afterwards to Tissa Wewa for sunset
- Ask a monk if you want to know about the relics or the history
Know this first
- It is an active temple, so keep voices low
- The stupa has been heavily restored, so do not expect original fabric
- Paving gets very hot by midday
- Reported heights vary between sources
Getting to Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
Most people see Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara as part of a stay around Tissamaharama. Our Tissamaharama guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Tissamaharama — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Tissamaharama guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara — frequently asked
What is the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara?
A Buddhist monastery in Tissamaharama known for its white stupa, traditionally founded by King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC.
How tall is the dagoba?
Sources vary: Wikipedia gives 156 feet (about 47.5 m), Lonely Planet 55.8 m and a Sri Lankan heritage site about 50 m. Around 50 m is a reasonable summary.
Is it still used for worship?
Yes. It is an active temple and visitors should dress modestly.
How old is it?
Traditionally over 2,000 years, though the present structure is the product of restorations from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Also worth stopping for around Tissamaharama
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