Mahiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, located in Mahiyangana, Badulla District. It marks the site of Lord Buddha�s first visit to the island and holds deep historical and spiritual significance.
The temple is in the heart of Mahiyangana town, about 65km from Badulla, and is easily reachable by bus or car via the Badulla�Mahiyangana road.
According to ancient chronicles, the Buddha visited Mahiyangana in the 6th century BCE to bring peace among warring tribes. The temple�s stupa is said to enshrine a lock of the Buddha�s hair, making it a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists across Sri Lanka.