Protected by hills, the Ethulgama Temple stands as a serene testament to Kandy’s enduring Buddhist heritage. Here before us lies a sanctuary that resonates with centuries of history, spirituality and art. Ethulgama Temple stands as a beacon of peace in this vibrant city.
Kandy itself is no ordinary city. It was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city. The city is the capital of the Central Province. Rising 465 meters above sea level, Kandy is nestled among hills. The hills feature tropical tea plantations.
Ethulgama Temple shares in Kandy’s rich history. The city’s origins trace back to Vikramabahu III around 1357 AD. Kandy later became the capital of the Kandyan Kingdom. In 1988, UNESCO declared Kandy a World Heritage site.
Central to Kandy’s spiritual identity is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. It enshrines the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit it daily. The temple gained UNESCO recognition in 1988. The architecture showcases a unique Kandyan style. It blends design principles used in previous shrines for the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Royal Palace once stood to the north. The Udawaththa Kelaya forest reserve lies to the east. Kandy Lake or Kiri Muhuda is to the south. The Natha and Paththini Devala are on the west. The temple is adorned with carvings using gold, silver, bronze and ivory.
From the 13th or 14th century, Kandy became a center for both Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. The Sri Dalada Maligava has preserved a sacred relic since 1590. It is said to be the left upper canine of the Buddha. Kandyan kings constructed the temple during the periods 1687–1707 and 1747–82. A tower joined to the temple in 1803 originally served as a prison. Today, it houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. Tamil separatists bombed the temple in January 1998 damaging its facade and roof. Restoration began immediately.
Each year, the Esala Perahera illuminates Kandy. This 10-day festival features dancers, drummers, dignitaries and elephants adorned with ornaments. It commemorates the sacred tooth. It stands as one of Asia’s most famous festivals. The city attracts numerous pilgrims and tourists. The surrounding region produces most of Sri Lanka’s tea, rice and other crops.
As our journey concludes here at Ethulgama Temple reflect on the convergence of history and spirituality within these walls. May the tranquility of this sacred place linger as a reminder of Kandy’s rich heritage.