Wewurukannala Vihara Temple | Dikwella
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Buddhist Temple
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Religious Place
About this Attraction
Nestled in Dikwella, just 15 miles east of Matara, the Wewurukannala Vihara temple is unlike any Buddhist temple I have ever visited. From the moment I stepped into the temple grounds, I was greeted by an atmosphere of reverence and curiosity. This was not just a place of worship but a storytelling masterpiece, where history, spirituality, and visual art came together to offer an unforgettable experience.
Standing Before the Colossal Buddha Statue
The most striking feature of Wewurukannala Vihara is its massive seated Buddha statue, towering at 160 feet—the tallest in Sri Lanka. Standing before it, I felt dwarfed by its sheer scale. The serene expression of the Buddha, seated in deep meditation, radiated a sense of peace and enlightenment. The moment felt surreal as if the teachings of Buddhism were physically embodied in this magnificent statue.
The Three Sections of the Temple – A Walk Through Time
As I explored further, I discovered that the temple is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a glimpse into different aspects of Buddhist philosophy and Sri Lankan history.
The Graphic Representations of Punishment – A Chilling Reminder
The second section was something I had never encountered in a temple before—life-sized models of demons and sinners, graphically portraying the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. These haunting sculptures depicted figures being boiled alive, sawn in half, or disembowelled—gruesome yet deeply symbolic. Walking through this section felt like stepping into an eerie, cautionary tale, reminding visitors of the Buddhist concept of karma and its consequences.
The Temple Walls – A Comic Strip of Enlightenment
The walls of the temple told hundreds of stories, painted in a comic-strip style, narrating the life events of Lord Buddha. Among them, the Chulla Dhammapala Jataka stood out, recounting the story of King Maha Prathapa of Varanasi, who, out of wounded pride, ordered the execution of his son. These murals weren’t just artistic representations but moral lessons, offering deep reflections on human suffering, ego, and impermanence.
Jataka Tales Brought to Life
Many Jataka stories depicting the Buddha’s previous lives were beautifully illustrated on the temple walls. Some of these paintings were chosen for Vesak stamps in 1991, further proving their artistic and cultural value. One painting that caught my attention was The Kattahari Jataka, which depicted Prince Kastavahana, the son of King Brahmadatta, relaxing alongside his entourage. These stories served as reminders of wisdom, patience, and compassion—virtues at the core of Buddhism.
A Glimpse into History – The Temple Museum and the Legendary Clock
Before leaving, I wandered into the temple’s museum, filled with relics and historical artefacts. What fascinated me the most was a grand clock crafted in 1926 by a Sri Lankan artisan named W. Elaris De Silva from Maggona. It was purchased by the temple’s priest in 1928 for 3,000 rupees—a significant sum at the time. Amazingly, the clock is still functioning, housed in a protective glass case, marking time with its mechanical precision. It was a testament to both the skill of its maker and the temple’s commitment to preserving its history.
Final Thoughts – A Temple Like No Other
Visiting Wewurukannala Vihara was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. Unlike many Buddhist temples focusing solely on peace and meditation, this one tells stories in vivid and unconventional ways—through towering statues, chilling depictions of punishment, intricate murals, and historical relics.
As I walked out of the temple, I carried with me memories of an awe-inspiring place and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling in Buddhism. If you ever find yourself near Matara or Dikwella, Wewurukannala Vihara is an absolute must-visit, offering a journey through enlightenment, history, and artistic wonder.
Best Time to Visit
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This is at its most enchanting from December to March, offering a magical experience during these idyllic months.
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Year's busiest month is April
Required time for Explore this Attraction
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Visitors typically require around 1 hour to explore this attraction and enjoy its key highlights.
Highlights
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Bike Parking
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Entry Fees : 1 USD to 5 USD
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Parking Available
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Toilets Available