Awe-inspiring Buddha statue adorns Kande Vihara

by K.K.D. Premalal - Matugama Special Corr.

The tallest sitting Buddha statue in Sri Lanka

Kande vihara is situated on the top of a small hill in Alutgama. It is a well-known religious place for Buddhists. Its serene atmosphere attracts thousands of devotees daily.

When you travel from Colombo towards Galle, you cross the Kaluwamodara bridge situated about 59 kilometres from Colombo. When you turn left passing the bridge you can reach Kande Vihara. The 120-feet high, the tallest sitting Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka is an imposing image which inspires mental peace and spiritual relief from all mundane problems we face.

History

The history of Kande Vihara dates back to 1734. The vihara was founded by Ven. Karapagala Dewamiththa with the blessings of Ven. Udugama Chandasara.

The present Viharadhipathi of Kande Vihara Ven. Batuwanhene Buddharakkhitha became the chief incumbent after the passing away of Ven. Heenatiyangala Jinarama.

Ven. Buddharakkhita’s period of administration is supposed to be the golden era of Kande Vihara. He is credited with the mega development projects that were launched during the past few years.

Some of the constructions in the temple include a three-storeyed Bhikkhu hostel, two-storeyed resting place, spacious hall to prepare puja, access road to Kande Vihara with electric lamp posts, a Bodhi ghara with a golden fence around the Bo-tree, a new Devale complex, a library building with a relic shrine room and the tallest sitting Buddha statue.

Ven.Batuwanhene Buddharakkhitha Viharadhipathi, Kande Vihara.

Ven. Buddharakkhitha’s dream was to build the tallest Buddha statue within a very short period of time. The late Ven. Yatadolawatte Ariyawansha, the Parivenadhipathi was the key figure in making all the arrangements. The statue was built by veteran sculpturist Rohana Dharmasena. Engineer H.M.M. Wijesundara extended his support for the construction work.

Community services

Ven. Batuwanhene Buddharakkhita said, “We have done a lot of community service during the past years.

"We developed Kaluwamodara Kanishta Vidyalaya and Batuwanhena Kanishta Vidyalaya spending a large sum of money. We also developed Kalawila Sudarshanaramaya, Alutgama Ganegama Sri Sudharshanaramaya, Colombo and Tissarama. We also launched a housing project for the deserving people in Morayes estate in Kalutara.

He also said President Mahinda Rajapaksa is a pious devotee who visits the temple regularly. He also remembers with gratitude the state patronage extended to the development of the vihara.

Ven.Kithulgoda Palitha, a resident Bhikkhu said, Kande Vihara has been a centre of attraction for people of different faiths. Devotees come in large numbers on Saturdays, Sundays and Poya days. They have a great faith in Kande Vihara. There are nine devalas dedicated to Vishnu, Kataragama, Saman, Paththini, Ishwara, Sooniyam, Gana, Kaali and Senasuru. It is a common sight to see people coming to the Devalas to make and pay vows. Mothers who are not blessed with children come to Paththini Devala expecting their dreams to come true. A large number of devotees throng the vishnu Devala seeking relief for their problems.”

Kande Vihara does not hold processions. However, the Vihara is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. for religious observances.

Upali Amarasinghe a regular visitor to the temple said, “I have a great faith in Kande Vihara, I make and pay vows and my wishes are fulfilled. I bring the first share of the new harvest to the temple. When people buy new vehicles they visit Kande Vihara seeking protection.