Korathota Raja Maha Viharaya

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Korathota Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient temple situated in Colombo District in Korathota Village just 20km from Colombo City off Kaduwela-Athurugiriya Road. Temple boasts a history spanning around 2000 years. Korathota Rajamaha Viharaya is  blessed with two old rock inscriptions. Being situated in a small hillock temple complex has six caves most of which have drip ledges indicating that these caves have been used for human habitation.


Two rock inscriptions found have been dated before 1st century AD and mentions of grants by the royalty of the times.
  1. Grant of a cave by the daughter of a king to the Maha Sangha. While the king is believed to be King Mahachula Maha Tissa as per historian Mr. Senarath Paranawithana
  2. Grant of a cave to Maha Sangha by the local ruler Sumana.

One of the larger caves have been converted to a Image house and another one houses a devala dedicated to Goddess Pattini.

It is believed that this place has been used as a refuge by King Valagamba to fight off Indian invasions. 

Locals revere a local deity known as "Kapiri Bandara Deyyo" who had been one of the two fleeing black slaves from Africa braught to Sri Lanka by the Dutch in the Dutch period who had found refuge in Koratota Temple.


Summit of the hill has been adorned with a large recently constructed Budha statue and also houses relics of Lord Buddha. Summit also offers a nice view of the surrounding of the semi urban Colombo district dotted with paddy fields and small hills. You can also see an excellent view of Colombo sky line from here.




































Location: Vaikkiya Waththa Rd, Sri Lanka

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