The Sri Naga Vihara also known as the Sri Naga Vihara International Buddhist Centre on the Stanley road, Jaffna , has become a rendezvous spot for tourists and devotees.
Entrance to the temple
The history of the temple dates back to the period of King Devanampiyatissa (247- 207 B.C.). It is believed that the sacred Bo sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi that was brought to the shore of Jambukola by Theri Sangamitta (daughter of King Asoka) was kept in this place for veneration.
There had been three tribes: Naga, Yaksha and Deva at that time. From them Naga tribesmen had requested the King to keep the sacred Sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Jaffna for one week. The King had agreed to their request. The arranged place where the sapling was planted temporarily was the Naga Vihara premises. Eventually, the sapling was planted in Anuradhapura.
The temple is also known as Jambukola Vihara. One of the main events organised by the Naga Vihara is the annual Katina Perahera in November. The temple is crowded with Sinhalese and Tamil devotees during the Perahera.
Sri Naga Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Meegahajandure Siri Wimala Thera said that it has been a great example to consolidate mutual support among different ethnic groups of Sri Lanka. The Tamils in the area extend their fullest co-operation towards us to make our procession a success, the Thera said.
