Vedagama Maithriya Vehera: Honoring a Renaissance Monk

Where Literature, Astrology & Buddhism Converge

This tranquil temple near Panadura commemorates Ven. Veedagama Maithriya Thero (18th century), a polymath who:

• Pioneered Sinhala literature – His works are still taught in schools
• Advanced indigenous medicine – Using temple herb gardens
• Mastered astrology – Blending astronomy with Buddhist philosophy

Why Scholars & Spiritual Seekers Visit

Living Legacy

• Original manuscripts of *Loweda Sangarawa* (ethics guide) on display
• Astrological charts used by the monk
• Herbal medicine garden maintained as he designed it

Architectural Harmony

• Stupa design: Reflects cosmic diagrams from his texts
• Moonstone carvings: Depicting medicinal plants
• Library: Housing 200+ palm-leaf manuscripts

Visitor Experience

1. Must-See Features

• Thero’s Residence: Preserved with his writing desk
• Buduguna Alankaraya Mural: Illustrating his literary masterpiece
• Astrology Tower: Where he charted horoscopes

2. Nearby Exploration

• Panadura Clock Tower (15-min drive) – Colonial-era landmark
• Bolgoda Lake (20-min drive) – Birdwatching boat tours

3. Special Activities

• Poya Day Lectures: On Thero’s works (Sinhala)
• Herb Walks: Identifying medicinal plants

Visitor Tips

Hours: 5 AM–8 PM (Library access 9 AM–4 PM)

Etiquette: Remove shoes before entering buildings

Route: From Panadura, take A8 toward Horana (clear signage)

Local Insights

Hidden Gem: The "Poet’s Bench" where he composed verses

Pro Tip: Buy temple-made herbal oils for traditional remedies

Book a Literary Pilgrimage!

Explore more Buddhist scholar sites: srilankatourhelp.org

Did You Know? Thero’s "Buduguna Alankaraya" is considered the Sinhala equivalent of Dante’s Divine Comedy!