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Established in 1841, Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena has served not only as buddhist temple for spiritual consolation but also a prominent educational institution for monks and laity. It offers excellent education and has grown into a hub for social services, reconciliation, and global connections, educating hundreds of student-monks from around the world.
Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena was founded by Most Venerable Walane Sri Siddhartha Maha Nayaka Thero in 1841. It has been not only a buddhist temple for spiritual consolation, but also one prominent Buddhist Educational Institution in Sri Lanka ever since. The temple provides excellent education to the monks as well as the laity.
Over the years, it has also become a hub for social services and reconciliation with its rich foreign and local affairs. The temple started with just 17 Student-Monks and today, it is a place of education for hundreds of Student-Monks from all over the world.
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of buddhist service and excellence.
Walane Sri Siddhartha Thero, who was descended from the student generation of the Asarana Sarana Saranankara Sangharaja Thero, was born in 1811 in Walana to a noble family. He undertook upasampadā at the age of twenty at Malwathu Maha Viharaya in Kandy.Read more
In May 1841, Walane Sri Siddhartha Thero visited the Ratmalana Ratmalana to observe Vassa-Retreat and started observing it in a small shanty made of coconut leaves on the land donated by a pious nobleman, Don Jeranimus Senaviratne Ralahami. This humble beginning marked the establishment of Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena, the pioneer in modern Piriven education.
Teaching commenced with just two or three students but rapidly expanded to seventeen student monks. Among the them were notable figures such as Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero and Ratmalane Sri Dhammaloka Thero.
Parama Dhamma Pirivena also played a significant role in the national fight for independence and national leaders often gathered at the temple. The Pirivena is credited with making the first student to win the Ubhayasekhara gold seal in the nation. Sri Lanka’s first Parivenacharya Training College was also established at the site of Parama Dhamma Chethiya Piriven.
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Among many other historical heritages, the temple's iconic Buddha Prathima Wahanse, the statue of Lord Buddha, has a history that runs back to the era of Great King Dutugamunu, who reigned from 161 BC to 137 BC in the Kingdom of Anuradhapura.
Wimalasara Thero has been serving as Dharma Ambassador around the world. Serving as Chief Administrator at Buddhagaya Vihara to spearheading the Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, his tireless efforts in propagating Buddhism internationally have been unparalleled. In 2015, he assumed the mantle of Chief Incumbent at Parama Dhamma Chetiya Maha Pirivena. Holding several esteemed positions in international buddhist forums, Ven. Dr. Maitipe Wimalasara Thero continues to inspire and lead with unwavering dedication and wisdom.
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Parama Dhamma Chethiya Maha Pirivena is the parent organization of many other educational, social and welfare organizations and societies including Sri Siddhartha Dhamma School, Ayurvedic Society, Welfare Society and many other.
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