Korathota Temple

by Lahiru Mayadunna | Posted on
Pic by Lahiru Mayadunna – 2019/01/06

Korathota Raja Maha Viharaya (Korathota Temple) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Kaduwela, Colombo District of Sri Lanka. 

According to the historical information provided over there, this temple was started in year 01 AD. This temple has two important historical inscriptions, which says this temple was offer to Maha Sanga by a daughter of Mahachula Mahatissa. Second one says one cave offered to Maha Sanga by a provincial leader call Sumana. 

King Walagamba also use this place as a hiding place before he chased away the South Indian invaders.

Pic by Lahiru Mayadunna – 2019/01/06

There are around six caves in Korathota temple. The largest one is dedicated to the main temple, where Buddha statues are located. The Vishnu Katharagama Dewalaya is also located in this main cave. 
There is another large cave dedicated for ‘Patthini Devalaya’.  

All caves have ‘kataram’, a small cut on the cave top to prevent the rain water flow down and drop in the caves. The ‘Boo Tree’ is located towards the corner of the temple garden. You have to climb several steps for that. 

Pic by Lahiru Mayadunna – 2019/01/06
Pic by Lahiru Mayadunna – 2019/01/06

You will be pleased to see the new Buddha Statue located on top of the hill and great panoramic view.

Pic by Lahiru Mayadunna – 2019/01/06
From the top of the Korathota Temple