Ever wondered what it feels like to stand before a treasure trove of history? Right here is the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, this temple isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of Sri Lankan heritage.
This temple houses the relic of the left upper canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Legend says a monk named Khema took the tooth during Buddha’s funeral. Imagine the importance of this relic. It’s believed that whoever holds the tooth governs the country.
The Temple of the Tooth is within Kandy’s royal palace complex. Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lankan kings. UNESCO recognizes it as a World Heritage site, partly because of this temple.
Let’s step back in time. The tooth arrived in Sri Lanka in the 4th century. King Kirti Sri Megavanna built a shrine for it in Anuradhapura. The relic moved around, always near the ruler’s home. Finally, it arrived in Kandy in the late 16th century.
King Vimaladharmasuriya I built the first temple around 1600. However, a Portuguese invasion destroyed it in 1603. The temple was rebuilt in the mid-17th century but faced destruction again. King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe built the present temple in the 18th century.
Buddhist monks from Malwatte and Asgiriya conduct daily worship here. Rituals occur three times a day at dawn, noon, and evening. On Wednesdays, they perform Nanumura Mangallaya, a symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic. This uses scented water and fragrant flowers. People believe this holy water has healing powers. It is distributed among those present.
Take a look around. The temple has red and white roofs. The inner temple is richly carved. The tooth rests on a gold lotus flower inside gold and jeweled caskets. Two large elephant tusks guard the shrine’s front.
Don’t miss the Esala Perahera festival. It occurs in July and August. This ten-day festival honors the Sacred Tooth Relic. Dancers, drummers, and elephants parade through the streets. A royal elephant carries a casket representing the relic. Millions attend this grand Buddhist celebration.
Notice the Pattiripuwa octagonal tower. King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe built it in 1803. It now houses ancient palm-leaf Buddhist manuscripts. Also explore the Sri Dalada Museum. It holds documents and photos about the tooth’s history.
The Temple of the Tooth suffered damage from bombs in 1989 and 1998. But each time, it was restored. This shows its enduring importance.
As you leave the Temple of the Tooth, remember its story. It is a tale of faith, resilience, and cultural pride. The temple continues to be a beacon for Buddhists worldwide.