Sri Naga Vihara International Buddhist Centre – Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka: Oldest 3rd Century Buddha Temple Built by King Devanampiya Tissa, Who Introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka & Sacred Bodhi Tree Site Brought by Theri Sangamitta, Daughter of Emperor Ashoka | Complete Travel Guide – Timings, History, Opening Hours, Accommodation, Dress Code, Offerings & the Spectacular Katina Perahera Festival, Contact & How to Visit (Updated)
– sacred symbol of spiritual resilience & cultural harmony
Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre is an scared Buddhist monument that embodies both the ancient and contemporary chapters of Jaffna’s complex history. This temple is located on Stanlay Road in Jaffna, within Sri Lanka‘s vibrant Northern Province, has maintained its sacred presence, offering a tranquil sanctuary for meditation, learning, and interfaith understanding. With its serene atmosphere and architectural grace, Sri Nagavihara continues to draw seekers of peace from across the island and beyond, embodying the timeless teachings of compassion and unity that transcend boundaries. 
Historical background of Naga Vihara Jaffna
This peninsula itself is likely the “Nagadipa” mentioned in Buddhist chronicles, a name meaning “serpent island” that probably referred to the entire landmass rather than just the small island of Nainativu as it does today. According to tradition, Buddha himself visited this region to resolve a dispute between two Naga princes, with “Naga” possibly denoting either a serpent-worshipping tribe or, as Tamil historians suggest, the Tamil coastal communities of ancient times—making the temple’s name, “Nagavihara” (Naga monastery), a potential symbol of shared Sinhalese-Tamil heritage.
The sanctuary’s historical significance is further enhanced by the belief that an offspring of Sri Lanka’s sacred Bo-tree, which first arrived on the Jaffna peninsula from India, was planted here at the request of local Naga tribesmen, making it one of the island’s oldest Buddhist sites and a testament to the peninsula’s rich multicultural tapestry.
When the Jaya Sri Maha Bo tree was arrived by Their Sri Sangamiththa to Dambakolapatuna Habour from India in B.E 300, King Dewanampiyathissa received the sacred Bo tree and fetched it to this place by arranging a ritual procession.
Upon a request made by the Naga tribesmen in Jaffna King Dewanampiyathissa allowed them offer rituals for the sacred Bo tree for One Week Thereto in the Bodhi Wandana’ it is men- tioned as ‘Na lowa sathiyak puda lada bodhiya which means – Bo tree was offered rituals for one week. This sacred place is very popular shrine among the local devotees as ‘Naga Vihara’ whereas earlier it was belonged to Naga Kingdom Later King Dewanampiyathissa constructed a fully felged Vihara in pis sacred place.
What makes Naga Vihara Jaffna truly exceptional isn’t just its peaceful atmosphere—it’s the incredible history woven into every stone. According to ancient chronicles, this sacred site dates back to the 3rd century BC, during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
Sacred Sapling Legend
When Theri Sangamitta and Thero Mahinda brought the sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi from India to Sri Lanka, the Naga tribesmen—one of the three major tribes living in ancient Sri Lanka—requested the king to keep the sapling in Jaffna for one week before transporting it to Anuradhapura.
King Devanampiya Tissa agreed, and the place where this sacred sapling rested temporarily became the Nagavihara Temple. Standing there, knowing I was on ground once blessed by such holy presence, gave me goosebumps.
A Temple of Kings
The original temple was constructed by King Devanampiya Tissa himself, who also built two other significant temples in Jaffna: Tissamaha Vihara and Pacinarama Vihara. The temple is also known as Jambukola Vihara, named after the ancient port where the Chinese explorer Fa Hiyuen arrived, calling it “Jambukola Pattran.”
The ancient Mahavamsa chronicle even mentions that when Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya, Naga tribes were residing in the Jaffna area—a connection that adds another layer of spiritual significance to this sacred ground.
Architecture and Atmosphere
The temple serves as a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a hub for Dhamma teachings, meditation practice, and cultural exchange. Visitors to Sri Nagavihara can immerse themselves in its serene atmosphere while admiring beautifully crafted Buddhist statues and intricate architectural details that reflect Sri Lankan heritage. The temple regularly hosts religious ceremonies where guests can witness traditional Buddhist rituals, including chanting and ceremonial offerings. Meditation sessions are available for those seeking spiritual growth and inner peace.
Meditation and Spiritual Programs
The center offers various activities for spiritual seekers:
- Meditation sessions throughout the day
- Dharma talks and Buddhist teachings
- Buddhist studies programs
- Regular pirith chanting ceremonies
The monks and devotees were incredibly welcoming, happy to discuss Buddhist philosophy and answer questions about the temple’s history.
Magnificent Katina Perahera Festival
If you can time your visit right, don’t miss the annual Katina Perahera held during the Ill full moon poya day in November. From what I learned from the devotees, this celebration is absolutely spectacular:
- A colorful procession featuring elephants and cultural dancers
- Participants walking through Jaffna’s main streets
- All-night pirith chanting
- Traditional alms giving ceremonies
- Thousands of devotees from across Sri Lanka
What moved me most was learning that this festival brings together both Sinhalese and Tamil communities, serving as a powerful example of religious harmony and unity in Sri Lanka.
Pancha Maha Devayal shrine
As one of the few active Buddhist temples in Jaffna—a region predominantly Hindu and Christian—Sri Nagavihara stands as a powerful symbol of religious coexistence.
The Pancha Maha Devayal shrine within the Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre houses five major deities—Lord Vishnu, Ganapathi, Skandha Kumara (also known as Kataragama), Sri Lakshmi, and typically one other guardian deity—who serve as protectors of the Buddhist faith.
This devayal (deity shrine) exemplifies Sri Lanka’s unique Buddhist tradition where devotees pay respect to these Hindu gods before entering the main Buddha shrine, seeking blessings and protection for their spiritual journey.
Currently it’s protected by the Sri Lankan Army while remaining open and welcoming to everyone speaks volumes about its importance as a pilgrimage site and cultural landmark.
Accommodation at the Temple
Sri Nagavihara offers affordable accommodation for pilgrims and visitors. This is perfect for budget travelers or those wanting to experience temple life.
Whether you’re a Buddhist pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler exploring Jaffna tourism destinations, Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre offers something profound.
The temple compound remains remarkably peaceful despite its central location. Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre represents something rare and beautiful—a place where ancient history, spiritual practice, and modern reconciliation converge. In a world that often emphasizes divisions, this Jaffna Buddhist temple stands as a testament to what’s possible when communities come together.
Whether you’re exploring Northern Sri Lanka temples, seeking spiritual enrichment, or simply want to understand the complex tapestry of Sri Lankan culture, this sacred site deserves a place at the top of your list.
Practical Tips for Visiting Nagavihara Temple
What to Wear: Dressing with Respect
White clothing is the traditional choice at Sri Nagavihara and holds deep symbolic meaning in Buddhist culture—it represents purity, peace, and spiritual cleanliness. While not strictly mandatory, wearing white immediately shows your respect for the sacred space and helps you blend in with local devotees.
I learned this the hard way on my first visit when I arrived in bright colors. While the monks were gracious and welcoming, I noticed I stood out among the sea of white-clad pilgrims.
Essential dress code guidelines
- Cover your shoulders completely – Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and off-shoulder clothing are not appropriate
- Keep knees covered – Long pants, skirts, or dresses that fall below the knee are ideal
- Remove shoes before entering prayer halls and the main shrine area
- Avoid tight or revealing clothing – Loose, comfortable garments work best
- Remove hats and sunglasses inside temple buildings as a sign of respect
Pro tip: If you forget to bring white clothing, don’t worry. Small shops near the temple sell simple white sarongs and shirts at reasonable prices. I picked up a comfortable white cotton kurta for just 500 rupees that became my go-to temple outfit throughout my Sri Lankan journey.
Traditional Offerings (Puja Items)
Fresh flowers – Lotus flowers are especially auspicious in Buddhism, symbolizing purity rising from muddy waters. You’ll find flower vendors right outside the temple gates selling pre-arranged offerings. I bought a beautiful lotus arrangement for about 200 rupees. The act of offering flowers represents the impermanent nature of beauty and life itself.
Coconut oil and oil lamps – Lighting oil lamps (deepa puja) is one of the most sacred Buddhist rituals, symbolizing the dispelling of darkness with the light of wisdom. You can purchase small clay lamps and coconut oil from vendors near the temple entrance. The monks will guide you on where to light them. Watching dozens of flickering lamps in the evening is absolutely mesmerizing.
Incense sticks – The fragrant smoke of incense represents the spread of virtue and the purification of the environment. Quality incense sticks are available at the temple shop. I recommend buying them there as proceeds support the temple’s maintenance and charitable activities.
What else to pack
A respectful, calm demeanor – This might sound obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Speak softly, move slowly, and be mindful of people in prayer or meditation. Turn your phone to silent mode. I made it a practice to pause and take three deep breaths before entering the main shrine, which helped me transition from tourist to genuine participant.
A small donation – While never required, a modest donation to the temple’s dana box helps support the monks’ daily needs and temple maintenance. I contributed 500-1000 rupees, though any amount is appreciated.
A scarf or shawl – Even if you’re dressed modestly, having an extra layer can be useful for covering up if needed or sitting comfortably on the floor during ceremonies.
Camera (but use wisely) – Photography is generally allowed in the compound but not inside certain shrine rooms. Always ask permission before photographing monks or people in prayer. I found that putting my camera away and simply being present often led to the most memorable experiences.
An open mind and heart – The most important thing you can bring is genuine curiosity and respect for a culture and religion that may be different from your own. The monks and devotees at Nagavihara were incredibly welcoming when they saw I was genuinely interested in learning about their traditions.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka
Address of Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre – Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka:
Sri Naga Vihara International Buddhist Center,
Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka
Sri Nagavihara Buddhist Centre Opening Timings:
Open 24 hours for prayers and meditation
Early morning (6-8 AM) for peaceful meditation
Evening (5-7 PM) for prayer ceremonies
November during the Katina Perahera festival for the full cultural experience
Best Time to Visit
- September-October for Navaratri festival
- Any Tuesday or Friday for special poojas and Annadhanam
- Full moon days for Sri Chakra Puja
How to Visit Sri Nagavihara Buddhist Centre Jaffna, Northern Sri Lanka
By Road: From Colombo, take the A9 highway northward covering 400+ km in approximately 7-9 hours through Vavuniya to reach Jaffna. The well-maintained main road has checkpoints along the way, and you can travel by private car, taxi, or intercity buses departing from Colombo’s Bastian Mawatha or Pettah (consider overnight buses for convenience). Once in Jaffna, Sri Nagavihara is centrally located near the town center and easily accessible by tuk-tuk, taxi, or local bus within 10-15 minutes.
By Train: Daily train service operates on the Northern Line from Colombo to Jaffna, taking 8-10 hours through scenic northern countryside with comfortable intercity express trains offering air-conditioned and sleeper compartments. This recently restored route provides a more comfortable alternative to buses for long-distance travel, though tickets should be booked in advance, especially for premium classes. Upon arrival at Jaffna Railway Station, Sri Nagavihara is just a 5-10 minute tuk-tuk ride away.
By Flight: Domestic flights from Colombo to Jaffna’s Palaly Airport are operated by Cinnamon Air and FitsAir, taking approximately 45-60 minutes in small aircraft or seaplanes with limited daily schedules requiring advance booking. This is the fastest but most expensive option, ideal for time-sensitive travelers. From Palaly Airport, the temple is a 20-30 minute taxi ride away, making the total travel time significantly shorter than road or rail options.
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