OUR HERITAGE
History
The Kirivehera Chaitya Rajayananan Thero, which has a history dating back to the time when the Buddha lived, is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, and it is built in the sacred place of Kataragama in Ruhunu, which has been purified by the feet of the Buddha.
This great stupa was built to commemorate the wonderful event of the Buddha's third visit to Sri Lanka, when he, accompanied by 500 great arahants, resided in the cedar garden of Mahaghosha, the Kshatriya ruler of the Kataragama region at that time. It is a unique event that the Buddha resided in the cedar garden itself. There are two opinions: that this stupa was built by Mahaghosha himself, or that it was built by his second half-brother Mahanaga, the founder of the Rohana kingdom. There is also an opinion that the small stupa built by Mahaghosha was later expanded and renovated by Mahanaga.
There is archaeological evidence that the Kirivehera Stupa that we see today has undergone renovations on about 06 occasions. Accordingly, what was initially a small stupa has now evolved into a large stupa.
The modern renovation took place in the period 1959 - 1970 AD. According to this renovation, the total height of the stupa is 99 feet 6 inches. The circumference is 277 feet. There are three square courtyards. There are four entrance gates.
