Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple situated at Seruwawila in the Trincomalee district of Sri Lanka, at a distance of 44 km from Trincomalee. It is counted amongst the holiest Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka and one of the top places to visit near Trincomalee.
It is among the sixteen or seventeen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) in Sri Lanka.
According to the late Dr. R. L. Brohier, the Seruwila region was a vast swamp or villu where the floodwaters of the Mahaweli Ganga collected. This villu was the home of large flocks of teals (seru) during the migratory period. That perhaps was how the place came to be known as Seruwawila.
History of Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara
Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara was built during the reign of King Kavantissa (2nd century BC). It is believed that three viharas existed at this particular spot that were built during the periods of three former Buddhas named Kakusandha, Koṇagamana, and Kassapa with their relics enshrined. Gautama Buddha had personally visited this place and offered eight handfuls of ‘sapu’ flowers, then wished that the temple which was constructed in the future should be named Mangala Viharaya. The stupa contains the Lalata Dathun Wahanse (sacred forehead bone) of Lord Buddha and is among the sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines (Solosmasthana) in Sri Lanka.
It’s the only place in Sri Lanka where relics of all 4 past Buddhas of our aeon are venerated
After a few hundred years, the whole site had been forgotten by time and it was only during 1922 that it was rediscovered by Ven. Dambagasare Sumedhankara Thero and was subsequently restored. The conservation project concluded in 1931 and the whole region – a plot of 83 acres was designated as an archaeological reserve in 1962. During the conservation, the archaeological department of Sri Lanka unearthed numerous relics and artifacts at the site and they have been placed at many museums around the country.
Rediscovery and Restoration of Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara
The 1920s, however, saw the rediscovery of the place of worship located in the vicinity of some dense jungle landscapes, and has been restored ever since. The other features such as the ancient pond, northern entrance, western entrance, Bodhigara, the stone paved terrace of the stupa, and the monks’ residence (Awasa) have also gone through extensive restoration, which has made it easier for veneration, and to reimagine its original grandeur.
How to get Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara
Seruwila is reachable both by road and sea. The sea route begins at Trincomalee to Muttur by boat and another 16 km by road. The land route is via Kantale, to Allai which is approximately 45 km through dense forest.
