Whispers of ancient chants linger as we approach Sri Shantharamaya. This Buddhist temple offers more than just a serene escape. It connects us to Kandy’s rich history and spiritual heart.
Sri Shantharamaya stands as a testament to Kandy’s enduring Buddhist traditions. Kandy itself holds a significant place in Sri Lanka’s history. It was the last capital of the Sinhala kings. Their patronage allowed the Dinahala culture to thrive for over 2500 years. This lasted until the British occupation in 1815.
Known as the city of Senkadagalapura, Kandy is a sacred city. It houses the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple is a famous pilgrimage site. The sacred tooth of Buddha resides here.
Imagine Kandy’s landscape. It is surrounded by hills. The Kandy plateau crosses tropical plantations. Tea dominates these plantations. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city. It is also the capital of the Central Province.
The city has been known by many names. Senkadagala and Senkadagalapura are popular historical names. Senkadagala Siriwardhana Maha Nuwara means great city of Senkadagala. Maha Nuwara is a shortened version of this name.
Folklore suggests a brahmin named Senkanda lived in a nearby cave. The city might be named after him. Another story tells of Queen Senkanda of Vikramabahu III. The city could be named after her. Or perhaps after a coloured stone named Senkadagala.
Vikramabahu III first established Kandy. He named it Senkadagalapura. Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu became the first king of the Kingdom of Kandy. He ruled Kandy as a semi-independent kingdom.
In 1592, Kandy became the capital of the last independent kingdom. This happened after the Portuguese conquered the coastal regions. The Portuguese tried to invade several times. However, they were repelled. The Dutch also tried to conquer the kingdom but failed.
Kandy tolerated the Dutch presence on the coast. However, attacks were sometimes launched. King Kirti Sri Rajasinha attacked and overran most of the coast in 1761. Only Negombo remained intact.
The Dutch launched a force in 1765. They captured the capital. The Kandyans withdrew to the jungles. A peace treaty was signed in 1766.
As capital, Kandy became home to the relic of the tooth of Buddha. This relic symbolizes a 4th-century tradition. The ruler of the land was the protector of the relic. The Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth were placed close together.
In 1815, the British invaded Kandy. The Kandyan Convention was signed at the Sri Dalada Maligawa. This meant Sri Lanka fully fell into foreign hands for the first time.
The Kandy Municipal Council governs the City of Kandy. It was established in 1865. The first meeting took place in 1866.
Kandy is a Sinhalese majority city. Moors and Tamils also form sizable communities. The city remains an important religious center. Buddhists consider it a place of pilgrimage.
Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka. Many major corporations have branch offices here. Textiles, gemstones, and jewellery industries thrive here.
Kandy’s location makes it a major transportation hub. The city is the gateway to the Central Highlands. You can reach Kandy by major motorways.
The city sits 465 meters above sea level. Its plan developed around open spaces. These include an elongated square and an artificial lake.
The Royal Palace and the Temple of the Tooth are on the lake’s north shore. The Dalada Maligawa was reconstructed in the 18th century. It is built on a granite base.
The Temple of the Tooth houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is one of the holiest places for Buddhists. The temple is associated with the dissemination of Buddhism.
Leaving Sri Shantharamaya, remember Kandy’s story. It is a story of resilience culture and faith. It is a city that has guarded its traditions for centuries.