Is Malwathu Viharaya open to tourists?

Yes, the monastery is generally open to respectful visitors. As it is an active monastic community, access to certain buildings may be restricted during religious ceremonies. Visitors should dress modestly, remove footwear before entering shrine rooms, and refrain from photography during active worship.

What is the difference between Malwathu Viharaya and Asgiriya Maha Viharaya?

Both are the two principal chapter monasteries of the Siyam Nikaya in Kandy and share custodianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic at Sri Dalada Maligawa. Malwathu Viharaya is located near Kandy Lake on the southern side of the city, while Asgiriya sits on higher ground to the north. Each chapter has its own Mahanayaka Thero and monastic council.

What is the Siyam Nikaya and why is it significant?

The Siyam Nikaya is one of the three major Theravada Buddhist monastic orders in Sri Lanka. It was formally established in the 18th century during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha, with the assistance of monks invited from Siam (present-day Thailand). Malwathu Maha Viharaya serves as the headquarters of its Malwatta chapter.

What should I wear when visiting Malwathu Maha Viharaya?

Shoulders and knees must be covered — lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in white or neutral tones is appropriate and shows respect for the monastic community. Remove shoes before entering any temple building. Hats should be removed inside shrine rooms.

When was Malwathu Maha Viharaya built?

The monastery is believed to have been founded by King Senasammatha Wickramabahu, who ruled approximately from 1473 to 1511, making it over 500 years old. Later additions, including the poya ge assembly hall, were built during the reign of King Kirti Sri Rajasinha in the 18th century.

What role does Malwathu Viharaya play in the Esala Perahera?

The Malwatta chapter is one of the principal organising institutions of the Esala Perahera, the grand annual procession held in Kandy. Monks from the monastery participate in key ceremonial roles, and the festival's religious observances are conducted in close coordination with the Dalada Maligawa. The Perahera typically runs for ten nights in July or August.

How far is Malwathu Viharaya from the Temple of the Tooth?

The monastery is within easy walking distance of Sri Dalada Maligawa — typically around five to ten minutes on foot, as both are situated in the heart of Kandy near the lake. Many visitors combine both sites in a single morning.

Malwathu Viharaya — Lakpura®

Malwathu Maha Viharaya (also called Malwatta temple) is a Buddhist monastery located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is the headquarters of the Malwatta chapter of Siyam Nikaya and one of the two Buddhist monasteries that holds the custodianship of sacred tooth relic of Buddha kept in Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. The chief incumbent of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya is the Mahanayaka thero of Malwatta chapter of Siyam nikaya, a leading Buddhist monastic fraternity in Sri Lanka.

This temple is believed to be built by Senasammatha Vickramabahu (1473-1511) along with a stupa and a double storey ordination hall (Uposhathagaraya) in the late 15th century or early 16th century. It was originally built as the residence of three monks but today it houses many Buddhist monks including the monks of Karaka Sangha Sabha (executive council) of Malwatta chapter of Siyam Nikaya. The building known as ‘poya ge’ is used as the assembly hall for the important meetings of the monastic fraternity. This building was built during the reign of king Kirti Sri Rajasinha of Kandy.

Nearby places

9 places within about 25 km, nearest first.

Malwathu Viharaya

Nearby places

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