Is the Sasseruwa Buddha statue the same as the Aukana Buddha?

No, they are two separate rock-carved statues located within roughly 30 km of each other. The Sasseruwa figure remains partially attached to the parent rock and lacks a separate crowning spire, while the Aukana statue is fully detached and more finely finished. Both date to the ancient Anuradhapura period.

How far is Raswehera from Kurunegala town?

The site is approximately 40–45 km from Kurunegala, depending on the route taken. The most common approach follows the Kurunegala–Galnewa road. A private vehicle or hired car is the most practical way to reach the final stretch.

Can I visit Sasseruwa and Aukana on the same day?

Yes, many visitors combine the two sites in a single day trip since they are within a manageable distance of each other in North Central Province. Starting at Sasseruwa early in the morning and then heading to Aukana before midday is a comfortable schedule.

What should I wear when visiting Raswehera Rajamaha Viharaya?

As an active Buddhist temple, the site requires visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Light, loose cotton clothing is recommended given the warm dry-zone climate. Removing shoes before entering shrine rooms is also expected.

Are there monks living at Raswehera?

Yes, Raswehera remains an active monastic centre with resident monks who use some of the ancient cave dwellings for meditation. Visitors are asked to maintain quiet in these areas and to ask permission before photographing any monks or shrine interiors.

What is the significance of the 99 caves at Raswehera?

Tradition holds that 99 of the rock caves scattered across the hillside were occupied by Arahants — fully enlightened monks — during the site's classical period. Many caves contain Brahmi inscriptions that are among the earliest examples of writing found in Sri Lanka, giving the site considerable archaeological importance alongside its religious significance.

Is Raswehera suitable for children or elderly visitors?

The main statue area is relatively accessible, but exploring the full cave complex involves uneven rocky terrain and some steep sections. Sturdy footwear is advisable. Elderly visitors or those with limited mobility may prefer to view the primary statue and the lower cave inscriptions without attempting the full hillside trail.

Sasseruwa Buddha Statue

This Rasvehera Rajamaha Viharaya is one of the most famous and inspiring temples in the Kurunegala District. This royal temple was built two thousand two hundred and sixty-eight years ago by King Pathissa II who ruled Lakdiva. King Devanapathissa who came to Ceylon in the year 287 AD in the year of Sri Buddha established one of the forty fruit-bearing Bodhisattvas from the Southern Branch Bodhirajaya of Anuradhapura at this place. With its establishment, the Satavarna solid Buddha radiance spread. At that time, the place was called Rasvehera Temple. There are several easy ways to reach this inspiring Raswehera Shrine from Kurunegala.The Kurunegala-Anuradhapura road, the Kurunegala-Galnewa road and the Kekirawa-Thabuttegama road are some of the highways.The shrine is also easily accessible by public transport trains and buses. There are 99 caves where Arahants lived in this sacred place. In addition, there are archeological caves as well as inscriptions in this sacred place. Some of the special features of this Rasvehera sacred area are the Aukana Buddha statues. Compared to the Aukana statue, the Rasvehera statue differs in that it does not have a tower and that the Buddha statue protrudes from the rock. Also, as the population is limited and the temple is located in the middle of the forest, it is still very beautiful in a very beautiful and quiet place without any environmental destruction.

Nearby places

10 places within about 25 km, nearest first.

Sasseruwa Buddha Statue

Nearby places

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