The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, or Buddhist temple in Kelaniya, is located in the Gampaha Administrative District of Sri Lanka, near the Kelani River. The present Chief Incumbent of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is Dr. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangarakkitha Thero.
According to Buddhists, Kelaniya is the sacred place of the third and final Sri Lankan visit of Gautama Buddha. The third Sri Lankan visit of the Buddha took place eight years after the enlightenment. Hence the history of the Kelaniya area. It can be considered as dating as 500.
According to Mahawamsa, the stupa of Kelaniya has been erected by treasure consisting of a gem-embedded seat from the work of the Buddha.
Eight years after Enlightenment, at the invitation of King Maniakitta Na, our Maha Gautama Buddha visited Kelaniya on the full moon day of the Vesak month, leaving a historical note on the third Sadaham Trip to Sri Lanka.
Five hundred and sixteen Arahants joined the Buddha's Dhamma Expedition. What a marvelous flight! The gods of the heavens were impressed by the beauty of the tunic that floated across the blue sky. These goddesses joined in the tour along with a number of other dignitaries. King Maniakkitha Maha Nayaka prepared to pay homage to the five hundred Buddha and five hundred Buddha who had arrived at the Maniakkitha Naga Bhawan in Kelaniya.
The Buddha who washed the water from the beautiful Kelani River and preached the Dhamma from the beautiful jewel seat.
It is said that King Maniakitta Na made a small stupa first to treasure the jewel seat at the place where the Supreme Buddha preached in the kingdom of Kelaniya.
BC. It is said that Prince Uththaya contributed to the development of Kelani Vihara in the year 207 and King Yalathissara built a five storied building which was a hundred and a half cubits high.
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