Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Discover the sacred history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, from Arahant Mahinda's arrival to the sacred tooth relic tradition
Sri Lanka, known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", holds a special place in Buddhist history. For over 2,300 years, Theravada Buddhism has been the heart and soul of Sri Lankan culture, shaping its art, architecture, and way of life. This ancient island nation is home to some of the world's most sacred Buddhist sites and preserves the oldest continuous Theravada Buddhist tradition.
Buddhism is not just a religion - it is a philosophy of Buddha's teachings about how to avoid suffering and find peace in life. These teachings show people the path to wisdom, compassion, and inner happiness through understanding the true nature of existence.
Established
3rd Century BCE
Tradition
Theravada Buddhism
Population
70% Buddhist
The Sacred History of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
Mahindagamanaya - The Arrival
In 247 BCE, Arahant Mahinda Thero, son of Emperor Ashoka of India, arrived in Sri Lanka with a mission that would change the island forever. On the sacred day of Poson Poya (June full moon), King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura was hunting deer on Mihintale hill when he encountered this remarkable Buddhist monk standing serenely among the trees.
The king, surprised to see the monk, called out "Samanera!" (which means monk). Mahinda Thero spoke calmly with the king and asked him clever questions to test how smart he was. The famous "mango dialogue" was a simple test to see if the king was intelligent enough to understand Buddha's teachings. When Mahinda saw that the king was very smart, he gave his first sermon and brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
This divine encounter on Poson Poya day transformed not only the king but the entire nation. This historic event is reverently called "Mahindagamanaya", meaning "The Arrival of Mahinda", and is considered the most significant moment in Sri Lankan Buddhist history. Today, Poson Poya is celebrated as one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist festivals, commemorating the arrival of the Dhamma (Buddhist teachings) to the island and marking the beginning of over 2,300 years of continuous Buddhist heritage.
Poson Poya Significance
Poson Poya (June full moon) is the second most important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka after Vesak. Millions of pilgrims climb Mihintale during this time to honor the sacred spot where Buddhism first took root in Sri Lankan soil. The festival includes all-night pirith chanting, lantern decorations, and special dana offerings.
Early Buddhist Development
King Devanampiya Tissa's Conversion
After meeting Arahant Mahinda, King Devanampiya Tissa became the first royal patron of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. He established the Mahavihara monastery in Anuradhapura, which became the center of Buddhist learning.
Sanghamitta Theri's Arrival
Later, Sanghamitta Theri, daughter of Emperor Ashoka and sister of Mahinda, brought a branch of the sacred Bodhi tree from Bodh Gaya. This branch was planted in Anuradhapura and grows there today as the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Establishment of Monasteries
The early period saw the establishment of numerous monasteries and stupas. The Thuparamaya, built to house Buddha's collarbone relic, was the first stupa constructed in Sri Lanka.
Pali Canon Preservation
Sri Lankan monks played a crucial role in preserving Buddhist scriptures. The Pali Canon was first written down in Sri Lanka during the 1st century BCE, ensuring its survival for future generations.
The Sacred Tooth Relic: Sri Lanka's Most Precious Treasure
The Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka in 371 CE, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha from the Kalinga kingdom in India. They brought this precious relic to escape persecution and preserve it for future generations.
King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna received the sacred relic and built the first temple to house it. Since then, the tooth relic has been considered the symbol of sovereignty in Sri Lanka, and its possession legitimized royal authority.
Did You Know?
The tooth relic has been moved several times throughout history for protection during invasions. It finally found its permanent home in Kandy's Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in the 16th century.
Sacred Buddhist Sites in Sri Lanka
The ancient capital and birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Home to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree and magnificent stupas like Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya.
The most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, housing the Sacred Tooth Relic. The annual Esala Perahera festival celebrates this precious relic.
Known as the "Cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka", this is where Arahant Mahinda first introduced Buddhism to King Devanampiya Tissa.
A magnificent cave temple complex with over 2,000 years of history, featuring ancient Buddhist paintings and 150 Buddha statues.
Living Buddhist Traditions
Daily Buddhist Practices
- Morning Puja: Daily offerings of flowers, incense, and oil lamps at home shrines and temples
- Poya Day Observances: Monthly full moon days when devotees visit temples and observe eight precepts
- Meditation Practice: Vipassana and Samatha meditation taught in temples and meditation centers
- Dana (Giving): Offering food and necessities to monks and sharing merit with others
Major Buddhist Festivals
- Esala Perahera: Grand procession in Kandy honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic (July/August)
- Vesak Festival: Celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and passing away (May)
- Poson Poya: Commemorating the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka (June)
- Kathina Ceremony: Annual offering of robes to monks after the rainy season
Buddhism in Modern Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has numerous Buddhist universities and institutes that preserve and teach Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and Pali language. Many international students come to study Theravada Buddhism in its original homeland.
- • Sri Jayewardenepura University Buddhist Studies Department
- • Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
- • International Buddhist Academy
- • Meditation centers and forest monasteries
Sri Lankan Buddhist monks and teachers have spread Theravada Buddhism worldwide. The island continues to be a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from around the globe seeking authentic Buddhist teachings.
- • Buddhist missions to Western countries
- • International meditation retreats
- • Preservation of ancient manuscripts
- • Archaeological conservation projects
Visiting Buddhist Sites: A Pilgrim's Guide
Best Times to Visit
- • Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) for peaceful atmosphere
- • Evening (5:00-7:00 PM) for sunset prayers
- • Poya days for special ceremonies
- • Festival seasons for cultural experiences
Temple Etiquette
- • Remove shoes before entering temple buildings
- • Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees
- • Lower your voice and maintain respectful behavior
- • Don't point feet toward Buddha statues
Spiritual Practices
- • Offer flowers, incense, and oil lamps
- • Practice meditation in designated areas
- • Participate in chanting sessions
- • Make merit through dana (giving)
Experience the Living Heritage of Buddhism
Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to experience Buddhism not just as a religion, but as a living, breathing culture that has shaped an entire civilization for over two millennia. From the sacred Bodhi tree to the golden Temple of the Tooth, every corner of this island tells the story of faith, devotion, and spiritual wisdom.