What if I told you that this unassuming temple, the Udawadiyagoda Temple, holds a secret so profound it once sparked a national crisis? Yes, right here in Kandy, Udawadiyagoda Temple played a crucial role in safeguarding a treasure during a time of turmoil. It all began in the 16th century when the Portuguese, eager to spread their faith and power, arrived on Sri Lankan shores. The Kingdom of Kandy, the last bastion of Sinhalese sovereignty, became their target. They sought the Tooth Relic, a sacred relic of the Buddha, housed in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The Portuguese believed that capturing this relic would break the spirit of the Sinhalese people and pave the way for their dominion. Fearing the worst, the guardians of the relic spirited it away from the Temple of the Tooth under the cover of darkness. Their destination? The Udawadiyagoda Temple, a seemingly inconspicuous place of worship. Hidden within these very walls, the relic remained safe, a beacon of hope during a dark period. The Udawadiyagoda Temple, despite its humble facade, became a sanctuary of faith and a symbol of resistance against foreign rule. This episode underscores the deep reverence the Sinhalese people have for the Tooth Relic, a reverence so profound it has shaped their history for centuries.
The Pentecostal Mission
Why is The Pentecostal Mission in Kandy so fascinating? Let me tell you. Right here, where you stand, a profound