Tucked within the historic heart of Kandy, the Asgiri Viharaya and its associated Adahana Maluwa Gedige Viharaya form one of Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist temple complexes. Together, they represent a living thread connecting the Kandyan kingdom's royal court to the island's Theravada Buddhist tradition — a tradition maintained without interruption for well over two centuries.
What is the Asgiri Viharaya and why is it significant?
The Asgiri Viharaya is one of the two principal chapters (nikaya) of Sri Lankan Buddhism, alongside the Malwatte Chapter. Both chapters share custodianship of the sacred Tooth Relic enshrined at the Kandy Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), and their Chief Prelates alternate in presiding over the major religious ceremonies of the island, including the world-famous Esala Perahera.
Founded during the late Kandyan period, the Asgiri chapter derives its name from the "Asgiri" — a hill above the city — where its mother monastery was established. Over time it grew into an institution of considerable religious and political influence, advising Kandyan kings and overseeing a network of temple lands and subsidiary shrines across the hill country.
What is the Adahana Maluwa Gedige Viharaya?
Within the Asgiri complex lies the Adahana Maluwa, a sacred burial ground and ceremonial courtyard associated with the royal funerary rites of the Kandyan monarchs. The term adahana maluwa translates loosely as "cremation or burial courtyard," and this ground served as the final resting place for members of the Kandyan royal family and high clergy.
The Gedige — a distinctive style of Kandyan temple architecture in which a solid stone or brick structure is built in the manner of a Hindu devale — stands within this precinct. Gedige-style shrines are relatively rare in Sri Lanka, and the example here is considered an important specimen of the syncretic architectural tradition that flourished under Kandyan rule, blending South Indian temple-building techniques with Sinhala Buddhist iconography.
What can visitors see at Asgiri Viharaya?
A visit to the Asgiri complex rewards those with an interest in architecture, living religious practice, and royal history. Key features within the precinct include:
- The main shrine hall (vihara geya): Housing seated and reclining Buddha images, the interior walls were once decorated with Kandyan-period murals, fragments of which may still be observed.
- The Gedige structure: The stone-built shrine within the Adahana Maluwa precinct, notable for its robust masonry and carved entrance details.
- The Adahana Maluwa courtyard: A quiet, shaded space carrying a palpable sense of historical weight, where stone markers and inscriptions relate to royal and ecclesiastical burials.
- The chapter library and monastic buildings: The Asgiri chapter maintains archives of palm-leaf manuscripts and monastic residences that reflect traditional Kandyan monastic design.
Photography is generally welcomed in outer areas, but visitors should follow the guidance of resident monks regarding restricted zones and dress code — covered shoulders and knees are required throughout.
How does Asgiri Viharaya connect to the Esala Perahera?
The Esala Perahera Festival is arguably Sri Lanka's grandest religious procession, held annually in Kandy over roughly two weeks in July or August. The Asgiri chapter plays a central and highly visible role: the Asgiri Mahanayaka Thero (Chief Prelate) participates in formal ceremonies, and the chapter's own procession — complete with elaborately caparisoned elephants, traditional drummers, and torch bearers — forms a distinct section of the grand Randoli Perahera that winds through Kandy's streets on the final nights.
Witnessing the Asgiri chapter's procession within the wider Perahera is one of the most memorable ways to understand the living significance of the temple and its place in Kandyan civic and religious life.
Where is Asgiri Viharaya located, and how do I get there?
The Asgiri Viharaya is situated in the Asgiriya area of Kandy city, a short distance from the Temple of the Tooth and the Kandy Lake. From Colombo, Kandy is typically reached in around two and a half to three hours by road or by train via the scenic Kandy railway line — one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated journeys. Within Kandy, the temple is accessible by tuk-tuk, taxi, or on foot from the central town.
Those combining a visit to Asgiri with a broader Kandy itinerary may also wish to include the Degaldoruwa Rajamaha Viharaya, another notable Kandyan-period temple on the outskirts of the city known for its well-preserved ceiling and wall paintings.
What is the best time to visit?
The Asgiri Viharaya can be visited year-round. Morning hours — roughly between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. — tend to be quieter and offer the chance to observe the resident monastic community in daily routine. If timing a visit to coincide with the Esala Perahera, accommodation in Kandy should be arranged well in advance, as the city fills up significantly during the festival period.
Poya days (full-moon days in the Buddhist calendar) see a notable increase in worshippers bringing offerings of flowers and incense; this makes for a more atmospheric but busier visit. The temple remains open on these days and the devout activity itself is worth observing respectfully.
What should visitors know before going?
- Remove footwear before entering shrine buildings and the main courtyard.
- Dress modestly — sarongs or wraps are sometimes available at the gate for a small donation if needed.
- The complex is an active place of worship; maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor throughout.
- There is no fixed entry fee for the main temple, though donations to the shrine are customary and appreciated.
- Guided interpretation is limited on site; arranging a knowledgeable local guide in advance will significantly enrich the visit.
