The temple is closely associated with Sri Lanka’s ancient Buddhist heritage. Its sacred Bodhi tree is traditionally believed to have been planted in the 3rd century BC, during the early period of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This ancient tree is deeply respected by Buddhist devotees and serves as a symbol of faith, devotion, and the long-standing Buddhist traditions of the country.
According to the temple’s historical account, Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya experienced a period of decline before being rediscovered around 1850 by a Buddhist monk known as Thengodagedara Hamuduruwo. With the assistance of local villagers, the area around the sacred Bodhi tree was cleared, and a simple shelter was established for monks. Later, under the leadership of Ven. Bellanwila Sri Somaratana Thera, the temple developed into a prominent Buddhist centre.
The temple is an important place of worship where devotees gather to offer flowers, light oil lamps, participate in Bodhi Pooja ceremonies, observe religious precepts, and listen to Dhamma sermons. It also contains Buddhist statues, shrines, and other religious features that create a peaceful atmosphere for spiritual activities. On Poya days and other special Buddhist occasions, many devotees visit the temple to practise and strengthen their faith.
The shrine room of Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya is an important place of worship, featuring beautiful Buddha statues and traditional Buddhist paintings that reflect Sri Lanka’s rich religious and artistic heritage. The statues depict the Buddha in different postures, creating a peaceful atmosphere for devotees to worship and meditate. The walls of the shrine room are decorated with colourful paintings illustrating important events from the life of the Buddha and stories from Buddhist literature, including the Jataka tales. These paintings help visitors understand Buddhist teachings and moral values while showcasing the artistic traditions of Sri Lankan temple architecture.
The annual Bellanwila Esala Perahera is one of the temple’s most celebrated cultural events. It features traditional dancers, drummers, decorated elephants, and religious processions. The festival attracts large crowds and helps preserve Sri Lanka’s traditional arts, customs, and Buddhist heritage. It also brings communities together through shared religious and cultural celebrations.
Today, Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya remains an important centre of Buddhist worship, education, and cultural activity. Its sacred Bodhi tree, historical significance, religious ceremonies, and annual Esala Perahera make it a valuable part of Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage. The temple continues to inspire devotees through Buddhist teachings of compassion, wisdom, peace, and kindness while preserving its religious traditions for future generations.