Sacred temple of Tooth Relic Kandy, Srilanka

"Sri Dalada Maligawa", commonly known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a significant Buddhist temple located in Kandy, Srilanka. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, it is a must-visit for nearly every tourist who travels to the area.

According to tradition, after the "Maha Parinirvana" of Lord Buddha, the sacred tooth relic was brought to Srilanka by Princess "Hemamala" and Prince "Dantha" who supposedly concealed the relic in her hair during their journey.

Throughout history, it has been believed that whoever possesses the sacred tooth relic will govern the country, making it a prized possession safeguarded by the kings of various eras. From the "Anuradhapura" Kingdom to the "Kotte" Kingdom, this relic was meticulously protected, occasionally falling into the hands of rulers who sought to protect it from foreign invaders.

In the 17th century, King "Wimaladharmasooriya I" built a palace specifically to house and secure the sacred tooth relic.

Temple seen from the entrance

Today, the relic resides in a small golden casket, which is encased in six progressively larger golden caskets. It is occasionally made available for public worship, typically every two to three years or as decided by the governing authorities.

The grounds surrounding the Dalada Maligawa host several significant structures worth visiting, including:-

- Natha Devalaya

- Gambara Devalaya

- Vishnu Devalaya

- Katharagama Devalaya

(These are temples dedicated to various deities.)

Additionally, there is a museum that preserves artifacts from that era for visitors to explore.

Daily worship ceremonies occur three times a day in honor of the sacred tooth relic, involving monks from both the "Asgiri" and "Malwathu" chapters of Buddhism.

Adjacent to the Dalada Maligawa is the picturesque "Nuwara Wewa" lake, which boasts a small island at its center. Local lore suggests that a tunnel extends from this island to the chamber where the sacred tooth relic is kept.

Island in the Kandy lake where the tunnel starts

Chamber of the tooth relic is deposited

Kandy is renowned not only for the Temple of the Tooth Relic but also for its stunning mountains, pleasant climate, and warm-hearted locals. Visitors to Kandy often explore the scenic mountains, tea estates, and tea factories. If you're in Kandy in July, make sure to experience the "Dalada Perahera," a vibrant procession organized by the temple and the Dewala.

An event in Dalada Perahera

Facts about Dalada Perahera

Esala Perahera, a vibrant and captivating festival, derives its name from the Esala month, which corresponds to August in the Sinhala calendar. This time-honored celebration began in the 4th century with the arrival of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka, and it has been faithfully observed by the kings of the island ever since. Today, it stands as a unique emblem of Sri Lankan heritage.

The festivities of Esala Perahera are marked by a rich tapestry of performances featuring traditional pot dances, whip dances, and mesmerizing fire dances. A hallmark of the event is the majestic tuskers that accompany the dancers, with a principal tusker adorned with the casket of the Sacred Tooth Relic taking center stage.

The procession commences at the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) and winds its way through the main streets of Kandy, ultimately returning to the temple. Typically starting around 8 p.m., the spectacle captivates both locals and tourists alike.

Among the key figures in the procession is the “Diyawadana Nilame,” who rides the main tusker, symbolizing the connection between the sacred relic and the people. Sri Lankans hold a firm belief that the timely execution of the Perahera ensures sufficient rainfall for the country’s agriculture.

The festival culminates with a significant ritual known as “Diya Kepeema,” where water is ceremoniously taken from the Mahaweli River in Gatambe, a town renowned for its ancient temple. Esala Perahera is truly a celebration of culture, faith, and tradition, embraced warmly by all who participate.