Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre

Today the naga vihara temple in Jaffna, Sri Lanka is a popular rendezvous spot of tourists and devotees. Jaffna is a great destination to enjoy and entertain your holidays. The spot is considered whereas the sapling of Jaya Sri maha Bodhi was arrived to sri lanka by Theri Sangamitta and Thero mahinda. So that King Devanampiya tissa came to the destination and welcomed prestigiously.

The recorded history of the ancient temple is around 3rd century. At that time the 3 major tribes were living in sri lanka. (Naga, Yaksha, Deva). From that ‘Naga’ tribesmen requested the king to keep the sacred sapling of Jaya Sri maha Bodhi in jaffna for one week. As a result of that King Devanampya tissa agreed.
The arranged place where the sapling was planted temporarily was also the Naga Vihara temple. Eventually the sapling was planted in Anuradhapura. It is believed that the original temple was built by King Devanampiya tissa. The king also constructed two more temples in Jaffna. Namely they are Tissamaha vihara and Pacinarama vihara. The temple is also known as the Jambukola vihara. The Chinese researcher and the explorer ‘Fa hiyuen’ arrived here so called as ‘jambukola pattran’. Tourists can easily reach to the temple on few miles away on Stanley road in jaffna. The temple was partly destroyed due to the disastrous war lasted in Sri lanka. By the way the complex was fully repaired by the authorities. Furthermore the ancient chronicle ‘Maha vansha’ proclaims that While Lord buddha visited the Kelaniya the Naga tribes were in residence at the premises of jaffna. Remains of a Vatadage, buddha footprint stone and pillars are still survived. The calm and contemplative environment is a relaxation as well as titillation to the equanimity.

One of the main events organized by the Naga vihara is annual Katina Perahera. The compound gets fully crowded during the Katina Perahera and Full moon Poya day. In addition it was commenced with both Sinhalese and Tamils. It has been a great example to consolidate the mutual support between multi cultural nations of Sri lanka. Hundreds of devotees are participated in the events and beside the rote. The present incumbent of the Naga vihara temple is Rev. Meegahajandure Siri wimala thero. Jaffna peninsula is now being attracted by many foreign travelers recently. Visitors are expected to wear a white clothing to the temple. Significantly it elaborates the purity.