Nelligala is not only a Buddhist Center it is an institution that serves both local and international communities. Nelligala is a remarkable natural creation, situated in the Ganga Palatha region of Yatinuwara in the Kandy district, steeped in folklore. Upon reaching its summit, visitors are greeted with breathtaking views of the Central Highlands and surrounding mountain ranges. Since Nelligala Rock is centrally located among these mountains, it is no surprise that anyone who visits is mesmerized by its magnificent surroundings.
Due to its natural beauty, deep historical roots, and cultural significance, Ven. Wahurakumbure Dhammarathana Thero, whose birth village is near Nelligala, chose this sacred location to establish the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre. (The Thero had envisioned this grand project since childhood)
Executing such a vast undertaking, however, was no easy task. At one point, Nelligala Rock had been misused by certain individuals for selfish, narrow-minded purposes. Many adversities and challenges arose due to these unlawful activities. Sometimes, they had to face serious threats and harm inflicted through the use of money, thug force, and political power.
Yet, Ven. Dhammarathana Thero remained steadfast in his mission, confronting each obstacle with honesty and determination. Through clear and legal means, he successfully acquired the land and even expanded the temple grounds by purchasing adjacent lands previously owned by Muslims.
Thus, on November 9, 2014, the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre was officially opened to the public. Today, it stands as a sacred space for devotees from all backgrounds, demonstrating true religious and national harmony in practice rather than mere words.
Upon arriving at Nelligala, visitors are immediately captivated by the Shakya Singha Maha Seya, a majestic stupa towering into the sky. Designed following the architectural structure of Sri Ruwanweli Maha Seya, this sacred stupa enshrines the revered hair and bone relics of Lord Buddha, along with the relics of more than 100 Maha Rahath Theros. Another key highlight is the Subharathee Dham Sabha Mandapaya, the largest sermon hall in Yatinuwara is also located here.
Additionally, the Rodaka Bhavana Kuti (meditation huts) have been specially constructed to foster the generation of forest monks (Wanawasi Bhikkhus), with further expansions planned to support meditation and monastic practices.
To develop a Sri Lankan society nourished by the Buddha’s teachings, touching various aspects such as art and culture, and to guide individuals towards becoming a community enriched with spiritual qualities, ultimately leading all beings towards the supreme bliss of Nirvana, the highest goal of the Buddha’s teachings
To perform a selfless service in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha, with the intention of building a Sri Lankan nation enriched with spirituality, culture, prosperity, and art.
Since 2014
since 2014
Since 2014
Since 2014
Cultivate inner peace through guided meditation, chanting, and traditional Buddhist ceremonies. Open to all seeking spiritual growth.
Engage in acts of kindness and service, supporting those in need through charity, environmental care, and social initiatives.
Deepen your understanding of Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness practices, and ethical living through regular teachings and study sessions.
Honor Buddhist traditions with sacred festivals, rituals, and ceremonies that bring harmony and joy to our community.
Ven. Wathurakumbure Dharmakeerthi Sri Mangala Dhammarathanabhidhana Nayaka Thero
Resident of Nelligala International Buddhist Center, chief incumbent of Nelligala International Buddhist Center, Ven.Kohuliyadde Dhammavansa Thero.
Resident of Nelligala International Buddhist Center, In charge of Theva (Sacred Offerings) at Sugandha Kutiya of Nelligala International Buddhist Center, Ven. Wilpita Kusaladhamma Thero.
Resident of Asgiri Maha Vihara, incumbent of Yatihalagala Raja Maha Viharaya, pioneer and Founder of Nelligala International Buddhist Center, incumbent of the Ancient Kuragala Raja Maha Viharaya, guardian of the Ancient Ambulugala Danthapaya Raja Maha Viharaya, senior Prelate of the Asgiri Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya (Maha Thero of Ratnapura District – Rathnapura Maha Disawa), Renowned Karmacharya (Master of Monastic Discipline) of Asgiri Temple, Sambuddha Shasana Lokaththachari (An Exemplar of the Buddha’s Dispensation for the World), Most Venerable Wathurakumbure Dharmakeerthi Sri Mangala Dhammarathanabhidhana Nayaka Thero.
Head of Monk
A scion of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi was planted atop Nelligala Rock few years ago. Today, this majestic Bo tree, with its sprawling branches, stands in front of the Suganda Mandiraya.
Initially, the Bo tree was enclosed within a simple protective structure. However, it has now been artistically designed to appear as though it is growing in a golden basin. At first glance, it evokes the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi sapling that was brought to the island by Sanghamitta Maha Theri.
Shakya Piyasa is an inn being constructed to provide accommodation for devotees from across the island who visit the Nelligala Temple, as well as for those participating in daily almsgiving ceremonies. The building consists of two stories on one side and four stories on the other. It includes 18 air-conditioned and comfortable rooms, along with 8 rooms that can accommodate 25 pilgrims each and another 8 rooms suitable for 15 pilgrims each. Additionally, the facility features dining areas, essential infrastructure, and ample parking.
This project addresses the accommodation challenges faced not only by pilgrims visiting the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre but also by visitors to other religious sites in the Kandy area. The Shakya Piyasa project is being implemented under the Central Cultural Fund (Madhyama Sanskruthika Aramudhala) with financial support from Minister Sajith Premadasa. The total project cost is estimated at 980 lakhs LKR, with labor contributions provided by the Sri Lanka Army and Navy. Including the labor contribution, the total project value is expected to be 1,500 lakhs LKR.
Anyone looking at Nelligala Rock from afar can easily spot a magnificent building resembling the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. This structure, known as Sri Shakyasinha Sugandha Kutiya, is often regarded as the second sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic.
This stunning architectural masterpiece features three rooftops crafted in the traditional Kandyan style. The grandeur of the building is further enhanced by a wide staircase and two majestic lion statues at its entrance. Upon entering this sacred mansion, one is filled with a deep sense of pride for the country, the nation, and the Buddhist heritage. The surrounding fence is adorned with spinnerettes (biralu), an intricate design unique to Kandy. The entrance door is framed by a beautifully carved wooden doorway.
Inside the chamber, three painted wall panels depict the realms of Naaga, Deva, and Brahma, artistically designed in the style of the Sigiriya rock fortress frescoes. At the heart of the structure, the Sugandha Kutiya, with its distinctively elevated roof, stands as the spiritual centerpiece of the mansion.
Why is this mansion so special? The Shakyasinha Sugandha Kutiya holds unparalleled significance as it is the only place where the hair and bone relics of the Buddha, along with the relics of 25 Maha Rahath Theros, including Sariputta and Moggallana Maha Rahath Theros, have been honorably enshrined. This sacred mansion serves as a serene and spiritual refuge, not only for local devotees but also for Buddhists and religious pilgrims from around the world. Additionally, it is considered a revered place of worship by celestial beings, including Naaga, Deva, and Brahma.
This Buddha Mandiraya was consecrated on December 13, 2016 (Unduvap Poya Day) during a grand Pirith chanting ceremony led by esteemed Maha Theros. The consecration ceremony was also attended by President Maithripala Sirisena. Following its opening, the mansion was made accessible to the public for five days, until 18th of December 2016, offering devotees a rare and fortunate opportunity to venerate the relics of the Buddha and the 25 Maha Rahath Theros.
This world-class architectural marvel is the result of the unwavering dedication of Ven. Wathurakumbure Dhammarathana Thero. The immense merit gained from witnessing and worshiping the Buddha and Maha Rahath Theros is believed to be shared with Ven. Dhammarathana Thero as well.
From now on, the Sugandha Kutiya will continue to stand atop Nelligala Rock, offering Buddhists worldwide the opportunity to witness and venerate Sri Gautama Buddha and the Maha Rahath Theros for as long as the Buddhist order exists. May all beings rejoice in this meritorious act and accumulate merits with joyful hearts.
The Shakya Singha Maha Seya is the first sacred treasure constructed at the Nelligala International Buddhist Center. This magnificent stupa, standing approximately 75 meters in height, was built under the patronage of Mr. R.G. Premarathne, the chief of Nawala Cushion Works, and Mrs. Nandani Padukka. Notably, the labor contribution for this construction was provided by youth volunteers associated with Nelligala.
What makes this stupa even more extraordinary is that it was completed within just 90 days. The sacred hair relic and other relics of the Buddha, along with the relics of over 100 Maha Rahath Theros are enshrined within the Maha Seya.
At the time of its construction, the surrounding area had only a basic rural road system and minimal infrastructure. However, a remarkable phenomenon occurred was a natural water spring unexpectedly emerged and never dried up. This spring became the primary water source for the construction of the stupa.
Today, the Shakyasingha Maha Seya is recognized as one of the most sacred and revered stupas in the modern Thupavansa (sacred stupa lineage), drawing deep veneration from Buddhists worldwide.
The Nelligala International Buddhist Centre is revered worldwide primarily because it enshrines the sacred hair relic of the Buddha. Similarly, the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar is known for enshrining Buddha’s hair relics.
As a tribute to this sacred relic, a stupa named “Ran Seya” has been constructed in Nelligala, modeled after the Shwedagon Pagoda. This magnificent structure, standing at approximately 60 feet in height, was designed and built by Sri Lankan craftsmen under the leadership of Thiss Weerakkodi.
Following the architectural features and precise measurements of the Shwedagon structure designed by Burmese architectural craftsmanship in the Anuruddha Arana Temple in Matale, the Ran Seya was meticulously constructed at Nelligala. The sacred hair relics and bone relics of the Buddha were enshrined in the Ran Seya.
As part of the 4th anniversary celebrations of the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre, significant additions have been made to further enhance the sacredness of the Sri Shakya Singha Maha Seya, a stupa deeply revered by Sri Lankan Buddhists. These new features include the Swarna Hansa Prakaraya, an ornamental enclosure adorned with golden swan statues, and the Salapathala Maluwa, a courtyard paved with square stone slabs.
This unique architectural creation is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. The design of the Swarna Hansa Prakaraya is inspired by Buddhist scriptures, where the swan (hansa) symbolizes a monk striving to overcome raga (desire), dvesha(hatred), and moha(delusion) , qualities that the Buddha himself conquered. The swan is also a central figure in Bodhisatta Jataka tales, particularly in the story of Swarna Hansa Jataka.
The female swan, often used as a simile in these Jataka stories, has been incorporated into the artistic design of this structure. The newly developed Salapathala Maluwa was dedicated to devotees on the 4th anniversary of the Nelligala International Buddhist Centre. This auspicious event was held under the guidance of Ven. Warakagoda Dhammadassi Sri Pagnanananda Gnanarathanabhidana Thero, the Mahanayaka Thero of the Asgiri Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya. The project has been generously sponsored by Mr. R.G. Premarathna, the chief of Nawala Cushion Works, along with his family members. The event was also graced by the Executive General of the Sri Lanka Army and Head of the Gajaba Regiment, Major General Shavendra Silva, alongside senior monks from the Three Nikayas.
The Administration Building of the Nelligala International Buddhist Center is a three-story structure designed to support the center’s daily operations and religious activities. The first floor provides accommodation facilities for the resident workers of the Buddhist Center. Second floor houses the kitchen/cook house, where offerings are prepared, along with offices for the Sambuddha Theva Unit, Financial Unit, and Administration Unit. Third floor includes several rooms dedicated for bhikkhus (monks) and a main conference room for meetings and discussions.
Equipped with modern facilities, this building serves as the administrative hub where all essential tasks are efficiently carried out to ensure the smooth functioning of the center.
The Nelligala Temple has always been a place where devotees gather to worship and make offerings. In the past, these meritorious acts were performed in temporary open spaces, often causing discomfort and challenges for the devotees. To address these difficulties, the Subharathee Dham Sabha Mandapaya was built and now recognized as the largest Dharma Shalawa (sermon hall) in Yatinuwara.
This spacious hall can comfortably accommodate about 2,000 people at a time, allowing them to listen to sermons. The Dharma Shalawa serves as a venue for many meritorious activities, including: Annual great charities, Sanghika Daanaya (almsgiving for Buddhist monks), Pirith chanting ceremonies, Blood donation programs, Religious workshops.
Additionally, youths have the opportunity to conduct their religious wedding rituals here, free of charge.
We practice compassion through acts of kindness, charitable services, and guiding individuals on the path to self-awareness and enlightenment. Supporting the well-being of all beings is at the heart of our mission.
Community is built through shared meditation sessions, Dhamma discussions, and cultural ceremonies. We create a welcoming space where individuals can support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Spiritual growth leads to wisdom, inner harmony, and liberation from suffering. Through meditation, Dhamma teachings, and mindfulness practices, we cultivate a deeper understanding of life’s true essence.
Every activity at Nelligala International Buddhist Center is designed to promote peace, wisdom, and unity. From meditation retreats to social welfare programs, our efforts reflect the Buddhist principles of loving-kindness, generosity, and moral discipline.
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