Natha devalaya

Standing quietly within the sacred precinct of Kandy, the Natha Devalaya is widely regarded as the oldest surviving devalaya in Sri Lanka. Built during the Gampola period, most likely in the 14th century, it predates the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic that now dominates the same royal enclosure. For travellers exploring the Hill Capital, it offers a rare window into the layered religious culture that defines Kandy – a city where Buddhist and Hindu traditions have coexisted and intertwined for centuries.

What is the Natha Devalaya and who is it dedicated to?

A devalaya is a shrine dedicated to a deity, functioning alongside – but distinct from – a Buddhist temple. The Natha Devalaya is consecrated to Natha, a deity associated in Sinhalese tradition with the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the future Buddha. This blending of Hindu and Buddhist iconography is characteristic of medieval Sri Lankan religious practice and makes the site theologically significant beyond its considerable architectural interest.

The presiding deity Natha has been venerated by Sinhalese kings for centuries, and historical records suggest that the devalaya once held a prominent role in royal rituals. The patronage of successive Kandyan kings helped preserve and embellish the structure over the centuries.

What does the Natha Devalaya look like?

The shrine is a compact two-storeyed structure built in a style that blends South Indian Dravidian influences with local Kandyan craftsmanship. Its stucco exterior features decorative mouldings, and the roof is tiered in a manner reminiscent of a South Indian gopuram on a modest scale. A small forecourt leads to the inner sanctum, which houses the image of Natha adorned with offerings of flowers and incense.

Surrounding the main shrine is a walled compound that encloses a small dagoba (stupa), adding a distinctly Buddhist element to the complex and reinforcing the syncretic nature of the site. The stonework, particularly the carved door frames and columns, shows the refined craftsmanship of the Gampola and early Kandyan periods.

Where is the Natha Devalaya located?

The devalaya sits in the heart of Kandy's sacred square, in close proximity to the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic), the Vishnu Devalaya, the Kataragama Devalaya, and the Pattini Devalaya. Together, these four devalayas and the Temple of the Tooth form a ceremonial complex that has been the religious and civic centre of the Kandyan Kingdom since the 16th century.

This clustering makes it easy to visit the Natha Devalaya as part of a broader walking tour of Kandy's sacred precinct without needing separate transport.

When is the best time to visit the Natha Devalaya?

The shrine is accessible year-round, though the most atmospheric time to visit is during the early morning, when devotees bring offerings and the air is thick with incense. Visiting in July or August places you within the season of the Esala Perahera Festival, Kandy's grand annual procession, during which the Natha Devalaya plays a formal ceremonial role alongside the other devalayas in the precinct.

The Esala Perahera procession includes a separate perahera for each of the four devalayas, with the Natha Devalaya's procession joining the larger Dalada Maligawa procession in a sequence that follows centuries of tradition. Witnessing this is one of the more memorable cultural experiences Sri Lanka offers.

How do I get to the Natha Devalaya from Colombo?

Kandy lies roughly 115 km northeast of Colombo and is reachable in around two and a half to three hours by road, depending on traffic. The Kandy railway line connects Colombo Fort station to Kandy station, with the journey taking approximately two and a half to three hours on an intercity express. From Kandy station, the sacred precinct is a short tuk-tuk or walk of around ten minutes.

Once in Kandy, the Natha Devalaya is within easy walking distance of the town centre and the lake. A private driver from Lakpura offers the most flexible option, particularly if you plan to combine the visit with other sites in the Kandyan hills.

What is the historical significance of the Natha Devalaya?

Architectural historians date the core structure to the Gampola period (roughly 1341–1412 CE), which would make it the oldest surviving devalaya in the country. Inscriptions and chronicles from the Kandyan period reference the shrine in connection with royal rituals and the annual perahera, confirming its sustained institutional importance over more than six centuries.

The site also holds relevance for scholars of art history: the carved stone details and the two-storeyed design represent an architectural vocabulary that later influenced shrine construction across the Kandyan region. It is listed among the protected monuments of Sri Lanka under the Central Cultural Fund.

Are there any rules or etiquette I should follow when visiting?

As with any active place of worship in Sri Lanka, visitors are expected to remove footwear before entering the shrine compound. Modest dress is appreciated – shoulders and knees should be covered. Photography of the inner sanctum may be restricted, and it is courteous to ask permission before photographing devotees engaged in worship.

The devalaya is an active religious site, not a museum, so visits should be conducted with corresponding respect for ongoing ritual activity.

What else can I see nearby?

The immediate precinct offers the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Kandy Lake, the Audience Hall, and the other three devalayas – all within a few minutes' walk. A short distance beyond the precinct, the Kandy National Museum and the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary forest reserve offer further cultural and natural interest. Visitors with more time can combine this with a visit to Kandy Tourist Information Center for maps and current opening information.