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Kelaniya, Western · 6.9531°, 79.9185°
A Buddhist temple on the Kelani river near Colombo, traditionally traced to the Naga king Maniakkika and closely bound up with the fortunes of successive Sri Lankan states. It was patronised by the Kandyan king Kirti Sri Rajasingha and refurbished in the early 20th century with support from Helena Wijewardene.
What follows is the temple’s own traditional account, transmitted through liturgy and local memory. It is recorded here as tradition, not as attested history.
Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha visited Kelaniya in the eighth year after his enlightenment to settle a dispute, and that the Naga kings afterwards enshrined the gem-studded throne he had used.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-27 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Kandyan patronage; 20th-c. restoration
Answers only from cited records
Opening the line…