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    Sri Dalada Maligawa: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

    A Guide to Exploring the Sacred Buddhist Temple

    Kandys’ most famous cultural site The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a world-renowned Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The Sacred Tooth Relic is enshrined at this Temple and is of immense significance to Buddhists all over the world. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its cultural and historical value. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit the temple daily to pay homage to the Relic and is one of the most culturally significant sites
    for couples visiting Sri Lanka.

    Highlights
    • The Tooth Relic Chamber
    • The Inner Temple Sanctuary
    • The Audience Hall
    • Royal Palace Complex Ruins
    • Buddhist Museum

    Brought to Sri Lanka by the Indian Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna in the 4th Century A.D, the relic was an invaluable treasure of Sri Lankan kingdoms and was housed in special shrines within the Royal Palace Complex under the King’s protection and patronage. Ruins of these shrines can be found in all the ancient Kingdoms beginning from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa right up to the fall of the Kingdom of Kandy.

    The first Kandy ‘Dalada Maligawa’ was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1604 A.D.). The temple’s elaborate architecture is reflective of the Kandyan style, with intricate gold, silver, bronze, and ivory carvings. The temple complex is located near the Royal Palace Complex, Kandy Lake, and the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty.

    The main entrance showcases intricate stone wall carvings. If you have already visited and viewed the moonstones of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, you would have noticed that the moonstones at the Temple showcase an entirely different form of architecture and design.

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    The Esela Perahera

    Considered the “Most Historic Cultural Event in the World,” the Esela Perahera is Sri Lanka’s most prestigious annual event. This vibrant procession, which travels the city for 11 days, is held in July or August every year and showcases Buddhist customs and rituals along with traditional Kandyan-style artistes. Elaborate & stunning costumes, drummers, fire eaters, dancers, and majestic elephants create a spectacular feast for the eyes and ears, honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic and invoking blessings on the whole island paradise and its people.

    The Mahawahalkada

    The main entrance showcases intricate stone carvings on the walls next to the gate. If you have already been to and seen the moonstones of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, at the Temple the moonstones transform into an entirely different form of architecture and design.

    Raja Tusker Museum:

    Don’t miss the Raja Tusker Museum, where you can learn about Raja, the beloved Tusker elephant who served the temple for over 50 years. The museum showcases Raja’s remains, preserved through taxidermy. A true Sri Lankan icon, Raja famously carried the Sacred Tooth Relic during the Esela Perahera for many of his years at the temple.

    International Buddhist Museum:

    The Main Exhibits of the Museum

    Hours of Operation and Location

    The Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)

    Sri Dalada Veediya
    Kandy
    Colombo 20000
    +94 812234226
    Website: https://sridaladamaligawa.lk/
    E-Mail: info@sridaladamaligawa.lk
    The temple is open for devotees every day from 5.30 a.m. till 8.00 p.m. (+0530 GMT)

    Tickets
    Foreign Passport Holder tickets cost LKR 2000. (If you’re from a SAARC nation, Myanmar or Thailand the entrance fee is LKR 1,500 – Prices are current as of June 2024)
    Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on public holidays)

    Speak to Our Concierge
    Telephone
    +94 76 757 8865
    whatsapp
    +94 76 757 8865
    Address
    2D,
    Inner Bagatalle Road,
    Colombo 03,
    Sri Lanka.

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