Sri Natha Devalaya

One of the four main devala in kandy.This devalaya contributes to the famous annual Perarahara as a part of traditional arrangements.The history runs back to Kandyan kingdom era of Sri Lanka and it said that these devalas were built by Nayakkar Kings.

One of sacred places in Kandy town.It was built for God "Naatha".

Natha Devalaya is one of the main four devalayas in Kandy. This has been formed on behalf of the god named ‘Natha’ and people come here to worship him and seek good luck for various occasions. Situated just in front of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, within walking distance from the Kandy City Center.

Holy temple near the Temple of Tooth. This place is considered as the oldest building in Kandy.

The Nàtha Devàla is located on the terrace, in front of the Palace complex of Kandy. It is said to have been in existence even before the Tooth Relic was brought to Kandy.The oldest extant structure in Kandy, it is said to have been built by King Vikramabahu III in the 14th century.[1] The history of the worship of God Natha is not clear. The name 'Natha' literally means ‘no form’ and ‘no shape’, and is therefore generally associated with Lord Maitreya, the next Buddha.[2] In the days of the Kingdom of Kandy, this shrine is said have played an important role in the establishment of the royalty. The king was given his royal name at this shrine. The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, being worshiped as a curer of diseases, the tradition of distributing herbal preparations on New Year day was conducted here until recent times. Hence, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is also associated with the Natha Devale, Kandy. In the annual procession, the Natha Devale procession takes the pride of place among the Devale processions and follows just behind the Dalada Perahara. Vishnu Devale of Kandy, a shrine which is located to the north of the Natha Devale, is in the inner complex of the palace. That shrine is dedicated to God Vishnu, one of the Hindu Triad, is considered a sober divinity who was committed to the protection of Buddhism from the beginning. He is the god that protects Sri Lanka, thus if he protects Sri Lanka he protects Buddhism.[3] Lord Buddha prophesied that Buddhism would flourish for 5,000 years.[4] More than 2500 years of that 5000 years has gone past. It is said that Lord Natha is still in the battle of protecting Buddhism from Mara, and he has sent gods from the heaven to earth to protect Buddhism.