Ella · Sri Lanka
Find stillness in the hills of Ella
Join the monks of Mahamevnawa for guided meditation, Dhamma teachings and quiet retreat beneath the Seven Buddhas Great Stupa.
The Stupa
A place made for stopping
Sri Sathbudu Maha Seya was opened to the public on 13 August 2024 on the Bodhiparvatha hilltop at Kumbalwela, Ella. The stupa is dedicated to the seven Buddhas of this age, from Vipassi to Gotama. Visitors of every background are welcome to walk, sit, ask questions and rest.
Our Founder & Teacher
Most Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnānānanda Thero
Founder of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastic Order
Born in Sri Lanka in 1961 and ordained at seventeen, Venerable Kiribathgoda Gnānānanda Thero gave his life to the Dhamma after reading the Buddha's discourses in the Pāli Canon. He spent years in study and in forest and mountain retreats before founding Mahamevnawa in August 1999.
He has written over 300 books and translated the Sutta Pitaka into simple Sinhala, so that people from every walk of life can read and understand the Buddha's words. His teaching is known for one quality: it offers only the pure Word of the Buddha.
The daily rhythm
Four open sessions every day, except on Poya (full-moon) days.
06:00–07:30
Silent meditation
09:00–11:00
Pagoda tour and guided meditation
14:30–18:00
Afternoon programme
20:00–21:00
Evening silent hour
Gallery
Albums from the monastery
Recent photo albums from the stupa, the hills and monastery life.
Two ways to visit
Plan Your Visit
Plan your visit
Dress code
- Cover from the knees to above the shoulders. Wraps are available on request.
- Remove hats in sacred spaces.
Etiquette
- Remove your shoes at the stupa entrance.
- Keep your voice low and respect those who are meditating.
- Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not permitted.
- Photography is generally fine. Please ask politely first.
What to bring
- Drinking water
- A light shawl or jacket, as the hills can be cool
- A small bag you can keep close
Getting here
The stupa is at Kumbalwela, Ella. Tuk-tuks and taxis are available from Ella town. If you are travelling from Bandarawela, Haputale or Nuwara Eliya, message us and we will help with directions.
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Words from visitors
View all →- The perfect reset during my Sri Lanka trip.As someone who had never tried meditation before, I was a bit nervous, but the resident monks and teachers made me feel instantly welcome.
Emma Watson · United Kingdom
Our Main Monastery
Mahamevnawa, Polgahawela
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery was founded in Polgahawela in 1999 and remains the home of our order. From here, the Buddha's original teachings are shared in clear, simple language through Dhamma programs, publications and a growing family of monasteries in Sri Lanka and around the world. Visitors are welcome to come for a day and learn more.
A quiet letter from the monastery
Occasional news about retreats, events and Dhamma teachings. No tracking, no noise.