About the Temple & Its History
Naga Maha Viharaya has long been a centre of devotion, learning and community life. Generations of devotees have gathered here to observe sil on Poya days, to hear the Dhamma, and to bring their children to the Daham Pasala.
At the heart of the temple stands the Budu Medura — the image house. Two guardian lions, cast in dark stone, keep watch at its steps, flanking a stairway that leads through intricately carved white pillars to a great timber doorway. Inside, beneath a roof of temple blue, the shrine holds the Buddha image framed by a magnificent Makara Thorana, surrounded by murals that retell the Jataka stories panel by panel.
These murals are more than decoration. Painted by devoted artists, they are a teaching in colour — scenes of attachment and renunciation, of the Bodhisattva's long journey, meant to be read slowly by every visitor who walks the image house. Today, through the QR codes placed beside each work, the temple's monks narrate these stories in their own words.
A detailed written history of the temple — its founding, its incumbents, and its place in the surrounding community — is currently being compiled together with the temple committee, and will be published on this page.
What you will find here
The temple's life gathers around three things: its image house, its Sangha, and its Daham Pasala.
The Budu Medura
The image house, its Makara Thorana and its Jataka murals — each work with a story of its own.
The Sangha
The resident monks who lead observances, teach the Dhamma and guide the lay community.
The Daham Pasala
The Sunday Dhamma school, where children learn the Buddha's teaching and Buddhist values.
The temple year
A Poya day is observed every month. These are the principal occasions; the temple's programme for each is announced on the News & Events page.
Vesak
The Buddha's birth, enlightenment and passing away — the most significant Poya of the year.
Poson
Marks the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arahant Mahinda.
Esala
Commemorates the Buddha's first sermon, the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta.
Katina
The robe-offering ceremony held after the three-month rains retreat.