Naga Maha Viharaya
A living place of worship — home to the Budu Medura, its storied murals, and the temple's Daham Pasala.
Welcome to Naga Maha Viharaya
Naga Maha Viharaya is a sacred place of merit, nourished by the faith, devotion and wholesome intentions of generations of devotees. Upholding the noble values of the Buddha's dispensation, it carries out its service to the Sasana, to religious life and to Dhamma education.
Through this website you can learn about the murals and sacred objects of the Budu Medura and explore the Dhamma meanings bound up with them, find out about the Sangha who reside at the temple, and learn about the temple's history and its heritage within the Buddha's dispensation.
Information on the educational and religious activities of the Vipulatissa Daham Pasala, its programmes and the Dhamma education of its children is also available here.
Up-to-date news of merit-making ceremonies, Poya day programmes, Dhamma sermons, religious festivals and the temple's latest announcements is brought to you through this website as well.
To savour the fragrance of the Buddha's dispensation, to come to know the Dhamma, and to join in its service with a heart set on merit — we warmly welcome you all to Naga Maha Viharaya.
The murals can speak
When you visit the Budu Medura, you now have an easy way to learn the stories and Dhamma meanings behind its murals and sacred objects.
Scan the QR code installed in the Budu Medura with your mobile phone to watch short videos about its murals and sacred objects, together with the Jataka stories and Dhamma messages connected to each.
As you walk around the Budu Medura, we invite you to use this QR code to discover the stories the paintings tell, and to take to heart the Dhamma message they carry.
The Paintings of the Image House
The Buddha statues, murals and other sacred works of art in the Budu Medura of Naga Maha Viharaya are presented here in the order in which they appear in the temple's book.
The Main Samadhi Buddha Statue
At the heart of the image house sits the main Samadhi Buddha statue.
🔊 Hear the story
The Makara Thorana
Rising above the main Buddha statue, the Makara Thorana is a signature ornament of Sinhala temple art.
🔊 Hear the story
The Great Passing Away
This great reclining statue depicts the Buddha's parinirvana — his final passing away between the twin sal trees in the Upavattana grove of the Malla kings at Kusinara.
🔊 Hear the story
Venerable Mahawewa Mahinda Thero
A teacher of teachers, who has given his life to lighting the lamp of wisdom in countless children across the country; who fulfils every duty a member of the Sangha owes the lay community in the work of Buddhist renewal; and who has rendered outstanding service to the Sinhala language, to its literature, and to the social and cultural life of the nation.
Read the full profileThe Sangha of Naga Maha Viharaya
The venerable Sangha resident at the temple guide its spiritual life and are engaged in a great mission for the long endurance of the Buddha's dispensation. Conducting Poya day religious programmes and Dhamma sermons, guiding the children's growth in virtue, concentration and wisdom through the Daham Pasala, and working for the good and welfare of the community — this is their noble service to the Sasana.
Venerable Mahawewa Mahinda Thero
Venerable Saradha Thero
Venerable Saputhanthrikande Santhasiri Thero
Venerable Rathana Thero
Venerable Kalawelgala Sugeesha Thero
Venerable Ranakeliye Amitha Thero
Sri Vipula Tissa Daham Pasala
The Daham Pasala of Naga Maha Viharaya is the temple's Sunday Dhamma school, where children learn the Buddha's teaching, Buddhist values, devotional practice and Pali chanting in a peaceful and disciplined environment.
Latest News
Poya day programmes are announced on the News & Events page.
Nikini Poya Programme — August 2026
Join us for the Nikini Full Moon Poya day observances: sil, Dhamma sermon, and the evening Bodhi pooja.
Daham Pasala — New Admissions Open
The Daham Pasala welcomes new students from age five upwards. Enrol after Sunday classes or contact the temple.
The Temple's Official Website Is Live
Naga Maha Viharaya now has an official home on the web — including QR-coded stories for the Budu Medura murals.
Visiting the temple
The temple is open to devotees and visitors daily. Please dress modestly in white or light clothing where possible, and remove footwear and hats before entering the Budu Medura.
- 📍Naga Maha Viharaya, Yodhakandiya, Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
- 📞+94 47 223 7012
- 📱+94 71 485 4516