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Day Visit to Anuradhapura Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery

Dhammachetiya Mahamevnawa Monastery

Day Visit to Anuradhapura Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery2020-02-18T03:41:08+00:00

This monastery is in a quiet area about ten minutes from the ancient sites of Anuradhapura. The monks there are very knowledgeable about all of the places you would want to visit in this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Things to See and Do at the Monastery

  • Visit the huge Bodhi Tree shrine

  • Talk with monks about Buddhism (learn how)

  • Get personal meditation instructions from the monks

  • Ask questions about all the sacred sites you can see in Anuradhapura

  • Get a blessing thread from the monks (learn more)

  • Join with the evening chanting at 6:00 pm (learn more)
  • Browse the Buddhist bookshop (view catalog)
  • Help offer food to the monks at 10:45 (learn how)
  • Make offerings at the shrines (learn how)

Things to see close by the monastery

  • Visit Shri Maha Bodhi Tree
  • Visit the Ruwanveliseya Stupa
  • Visit the ancient Samadhi Buddha
  • See the Tissa Wewa tank built by ancient kings

Open Hours

Open Daily: 6 am to 9 pm
Monk’s meal offering: 10:45 am
Evening Chanting: 6 pm

What to Bring

  • Food for yourself if needed. The monastery is not close to any shops.

  • Water bottle. Free drinking water available on site.

  • Umbrella to protect from sun.

  • Shoes that can be easily removed

  • If you like, flowers and/or oil to offer at shrines.

Directions

As you travel people will be happy to help you on your way if you mention to them that you are going to Lolu Gas Wae-va Mahamevnawa (Maha MAY oo naa wa)

From Anuradhapura train station: Take a three wheeler to the Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa costing approximately Rs 400 or a metered taxi.

From Anuradhapura bus station: From the old bus stand get a bus heading to Vilachchiya or Tantirimale and get off at Lolu Gaswewa Handiya (junction). After you get off, the bus will turn left. You want to continue walking straight about 300m. On the left side you will see a sign for the monastery, Mahamevnawa Bhavana Asapuwa.

Sinhal to show to driver:
ලෝලු ගස් වැව ධම්මචේතිය මහමෙව්නාව භාවනා අසපුව අනුරාදපුර

Contact Information

Phone (or text): +94 25 4 928 155  Calling Guide 

Email: info@mahamevnawa.lk

You are welcome to visit any time during our open hours and there will probably be someone available to show you around.

If you want to guarantee someone is available, please use this form. We will get back to you within 24 hours. If you are planning to visit before 24 hours, please call us at the number above or simply stop in for a visit.

    Day Visit Frequently Asked Questions

    Is there a dress code for day visits?2018-03-13T05:12:03+00:00

    Try to wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders.

    Can I take photos?2018-03-13T05:13:27+00:00

    Unless posted, you are very welcome to take photos anywhere in the monastery. Try to avoid selfies with Buddha statues behind you. If you post them on Instagram or Facebook please make sure they are dignified, and be sure to tag them with #mahamevnawa.

    Can I have my photo taken with the monks?2018-03-13T05:15:09+00:00

    Feel free to ask them. If they say yes, please avoid physical contact. Please don’t hug the monks!!

    Is there an entrance fee?2018-03-13T05:21:27+00:00

    Absolutely not. There is no fee for anything, although some our locations have a small bookshop with moderately priced English language Buddhist books.

    Are children welcome?2018-03-13T05:23:11+00:00

    Absolutely. Children come with their families to the monastery all the time. We even carry some English children’s books on Buddhism in our bookshops.

    Can I really get meditation instructions when I visit.2018-03-13T05:23:56+00:00

    Yes, as long as a monk is available. To be sure one is available, send us an e-mail or call.

    Can the monks do blessing chants for me?2018-03-13T05:25:18+00:00

    Absolutely. Just ask. They can also give you blessing threads. There is no charge for this or any other services of the monastery.

    Assistance from travel websites

    Visit these third party sites to help you plan your trip to our monastery. You can also use them to leave a review of your visit.

    See the best tourist attractions in Anuradhapura with a plan including Mahamevnawa Dhammachethiya Buddhist Monastery Anuradhapura using inspirock™ Trip Planner.
    Plan a trip to our monastery using inspirock

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