Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara
| Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara | |
|---|---|
තිස්සමහාරාම රජ මහා විහාරය | |
View of Tissamaharama Stupa across the paddy fields in the that area. | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhism |
| District | Hambantota |
| Province | Southern Province |
| Location | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Geographic coordinates | 6°16′46″N 81°17′25″E / 6.27944°N 81.29028°E |
| Architecture | |
| Founder | King Kavan Tissa of Ruhuna |
| Completed | Around 2nd century BC |
The Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is an ancient Buddhist temple in Tissamaharama, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It was one of the four major Buddhist monasteries established in Sri Lanka, after the arrival of Arhant Mahinda Thera to the country. Tissamaharama monastery had been recognized as a pre-eminent Buddhist educational center of the southern Sri Lanka from the 3rd century B.C. to the 11th century A.D. The Tissamaharama Dagoba which is situated in the premises of the monastery is one of the largest stupas in Sri Lanka. The present chief incumbent of Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is Ven. Devalegama Dhammasena Nayaka Thera.