Ridee Viharaya – The Silver Temple of Sri Lanka: A Sanctuary of Serenity and Spirit
Ridee Viharaya – The Silver Temple of Sri Lanka: A Sanctuary of Serenity and Spirit
Perched among the gentle hills of Kurunegala, Ridee Viharaya, known fondly as the Silver Temple, is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred and storied landmarks. Wrapped in legend, beauty, and tranquillity, this centuries-old temple offers not only a glimpse into the island’s rich Buddhist heritage but also an opportunity for visitors to find peace amid timeless surroundings.
Here, beneath the shade of ancient rock formations and the soft echo of temple bells, faith, art, and nature come together in perfect harmony.
The Silver Legend of Devotion
The tale of Ridee Viharaya stretches back over two millennia, to the 2nd century BC and the reign of King Dutugemunu, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest monarchs. As the chronicles recount, a deposit of silver ore was discovered at this very site. The metal was used to help fund the construction of the Ruwanwelisaya, the magnificent stupa in Anuradhapura.
In gratitude for this divine discovery, the king built a temple here and named it Ridee Viharaya — literally, the “Temple of Silver.”
To this day, the temple stands as a testament to faith rewarded and generosity remembered.
A Welcome for Every Traveller
Hospitality lies at the heart of Ridee Viharaya’s mission. Visitors — whether pilgrims, travellers, or seekers of stillness — are invited to stay free of charge.
Accommodation options include air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, non-A/C shared rooms, and special permission rooms with sweeping views of the temple’s natural surroundings.
Guests are also offered complimentary meals, prepared daily with care and simplicity at the temple’s vast Dhana Shala, which can serve up to 500 people.
Here, every meal is a blessing, and every visitor is treated with warmth and respect — a reflection of the Buddhist spirit of compassion and generosity.
👉 Pilgrims travelling to Dambulla and Anuradhapura are warmly welcome to visit Ridee Viharaya and enjoy its peaceful accommodation and serene environment during their journey.
A Masterpiece of Faith and Craftsmanship
Ridee Viharaya is an extraordinary example of Sri Lankan art and architecture, its shrines and sculptures narrating stories of devotion and creativity across centuries.
Maha Viharaya – The Great Cave Temple
The Maha Viharaya, rising nearly 100 feet, is the principal shrine. Within its cool, dimly lit chambers lie three statues of the Buddha, a small stupa, and murals depicting ancient Jataka tales — stories of the Buddha’s previous lives. At its centre gleams a golden Buddha statue, believed to have been gifted by King Dutugemunu himself.
Every surface of the cave, from the ceiling paintings to the carved pillars, reflects the skill and reverence of Sri Lanka’s early artisans.
Uda Viharaya – The Upper Shrine
A short climb leads to the Uda Viharaya, a gem of Kandyan-era artistry. Its entrance, adorned with a striking Dragon Arch (Makara Torana), opens to a sanctum housing statues of the Buddha, Lord Vishnu, and Bodhisattva Maithree. The frescoes here, painted in vivid tones, remain remarkably well preserved, bearing witness to the temple’s enduring cultural heritage.
Waraka Welandu Viharaya – The Temple of the Jackfruit Offering
This smaller shrine commemorates a tale of generosity: merchants once offered a ripe jackfruit (waraka) to the arahant Indraguptha here. The temple’s stone pillars, crafted in a style reminiscent of Hindu architecture, reveal a fascinating blend of religious and artistic influences that shaped Sri Lanka’s past.
Nature and the Sacred Landscape
Ridee Viharaya’s sacred energy extends far beyond its shrines. The surrounding hills and forests provide a haven for meditation and exploration.
A staircase to the right of the main temple leads to Serasumgala, where rock inscriptions, ancient meditation caves, and small ponds still survive from the days when forest-dwelling monks sought solitude here.
For the more adventurous, a forest path leads to Pahangala, a two-hour walk rewarded by breathtaking views over Bathalagoda Lake and the Kurunegala countryside.
According to legend, lamps were once lit here to honour God Kumara Bandara, the guardian deity of the temple.
Festivals, Culture, and Community
Ridee Viharaya remains a vibrant part of Sri Lanka’s living heritage. Each year, it hosts a spectacular Perahera Festival, where the temple’s majestic tusker, Sindu, carries sacred relics in procession.
The streets come alive with traditional dancers, drummers, and devotees celebrating the blessings of the temple’s guardian deities — Kumara Bandara and Paththini.
Throughout the year, visitors can take part in a variety of cultural activities — from pottery-making and arts exhibitions to village tours and guided cave visits.
There is also a souvenir shop, where local artisans display their beautiful handcrafted creations.
A Global Centre of Buddhist Learning
In recognition of its historical and spiritual significance, Ridee Viharaya was declared an International Buddhist Tourism Centre in 2018.
Today, it welcomes both local and international visitors who seek to learn, meditate, and connect with the wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings.
The temple continues to embody the timeless values of mindfulness, kindness, and harmony — qualities that resonate as powerfully today as they did in ancient times.
Plan Your Visit
Ridee Viharaya (Silver Temple)
No. 39, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka
Contact: +94 77 505 0670
Content: Ven. Hemmatagama Piyadassi Thero
Design: Travel with Chathura Rideegama / Ridee Viharaya
ISBN: 978-624-97635-0-0
Follow on Facebook: Travel with Chathura Rideegama / Ridee Viharaya
🚗 Convenient Stop on the Dambulla–Anuradhapura Pilgrimage Route
Ridee Viharaya is ideally located for travellers and pilgrims journeying between Dambulla and Anuradhapura.
Visitors can rest, meditate, and even stay overnight — enjoying the temple’s free accommodation, simple vegetarian meals, and peaceful environment surrounded by history and nature.
