Mahiyanganaya

The encounter between the Buddha and Sumana Saman, a chieftain of the region, marked a seminal point in Mahiyanganaya’s spiritual journey. The Buddha’s gift of a hair relic to Sumana Saman laid the foundation for constructing a golden chethiya (stupa), enshrining this sacred relic. This act of sanctity by Sumana Saman, who later became revered as the god Sumana Saman, immortalized Mahiyanganaya as a place of worship and adoration. Over the centuries, seven more chethiyas were constructed over the original golden chethiya, with the last one erected by the great King Dutugemunu, further cementing the town’s sacred status among Buddhists.

Sorabora Wewa: A Panoramic Marvel

Beyond its spiritual allure, Mahiyanganaya is also celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty, exemplified by the panoramic Sorabora Wewa. This vast reservoir, set against the backdrop of lush paddy fields, underscores the town’s agricultural legacy, with most of its inhabitants cultivating paddy. The serene waters of Sorabora Wewa nourish the land and reflect the tranquil essence of Mahiyanganaya.

Mahiyanganaya: A Hub of Culture and Connectivity

Today, Mahiyanganaya, with a population of 75,776 across 35 grama niladhari divisions, thrives as a vibrant testament to Sri Lanka’s cultural and spiritual fabric. Located merely 75km away from Ella and a journey of approximately 4 hours and 46 minutes from Colombo via the Colombo – Kandy Road and Kandy-Mahiyangane-Padiyatalawa Highway, Mahiyanganaya is accessible to both pilgrims and travellers, inviting them to experience its sacred ambience and historical depth.

Mahiyanganaya: A Pilgrimage into the Heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism

Mahiyanganaya is not just a destination but a pilgrimage into the heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism, where the spiritual and the terrestrial merge. It beckons travellers and devotees alike to immerse themselves in its hallowed grounds, to witness the legacy of Gautama Buddha’s visit, and to find peace and solace within its sacred confines.