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    Visiting the Temple of the Tooth

    A curated guide of the best 7 escapes
    Discover the most sacred temple in Sri Lanka on a visit to Kandy, the island's hill capital and last kingdom. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the sacred temple Sri Dalada Maligawa enshrines the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha in a sprawling complex of historical and architectural treasures. This comprehensive guide focuses on the history and the best highlights of visiting the Temple of the Tooth. Join the throng of devotees from all over the world who visit this sanctuary to pay homage to this sacred relic.

    History of the Temple

    The Sacred Tooth Relic has a long and fascinating history in Sri Lanka. Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha brought it from the Kalinga Kingdom in ancient India during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna in the 4th Century A.D. The relic became a symbol of Sri Lankan kings and was housed in special shrines within the Royal Palace Complex under the King’s protection and patronage, wherever the capital was located. The ruins of these shrines can be found in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and other former capitals.

    After the Portuguese, Dutch and British conquered the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, Kandy, until 1815, when it was also finally captured by the British, it was the only Kingdom functioning and became the final resting place of the relic. The first ‘Dalada Maligawa’ in Kandy was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1604). Unfortunately, this temple was destroyed by the Portuguese. Subsequent temples were built by Kings Rajasinghe II and Wimaladharmasuriya II, but they were also destroyed by the Dutch. The present two-storey structure was built by King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe (1707-1739) and further beautified by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe. The Octagonal Pavilion (Pathirippuwa) was added by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798-1815).

    Unique Architecture

    The temple’s architecture reflects the Kandyan style, with intricate carvings made from gold, silver, bronze, and ivory. The temple complex is located near the Royal Palace Complex, Kandy Lake, and the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, creating a harmonious blend of cultural and natural beauty.

    Preserving the Relic

    Protecting the Sacred Tooth Relic and conducting daily religious rituals is at the heart of every Buddhist in Sri Lanka, who makes frequent pilgrimages to invoke blessings. Three chief custodians oversee these duties: the Mahanayake Theras of Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters and the Diyawadana Nilame, a lay custodian with an official title bestowed to ensure the protection of this most sacred relic.

    Four Main Festivals of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

    In addition to daily rituals, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic celebrates several annual festivals dedicated to the relic and the well-being of the nation. These festivals combine religious observances with vibrant cultural displays, showcasing the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. Here’s a glimpse into the four main traditional festivals:

    1. New Harvest Festival (Duruthu):

    Held in January, this festival marks the end of the Sinhala calendar year and celebrates the first harvest of rice. Milk rice prepared from this harvest is offered to the Sacred Tooth Relic, a tradition once performed by the king and now carried out by the lay custodian, the Diyawadana Nilame. This offering signifies gratitude for a bountiful harvest and ensures prosperity for the coming year.

    2. Sinhala and Tamil New Year Festival (Aluth Avurudu):

    Welcoming the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, this festive month ushers in a spirit of renewal. The temple observes auspicious timings for daily rituals, culminating in five key activities on New Year’s Day: a dawn cleansing ceremony, boiling of milk, preparing special foods, and an oil anointing ceremony. These rituals, along with offerings to the Sacred Tooth Relic, seek blessings for abundance and prosperity in the new year.

    3. Esala Perahera:

    Considered the “Most Historic Cultural Event in the World,” the Esala Perahera is the second major festival. This vibrant procession, held over 11 days usually in July or August, showcases a blend of Buddhist and Hindu customs alongside traditional Kandyan performances. Elaborate costumes, drummers, dancers, and majestic elephants create a dazzling spectacle, honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic and invoking blessings for rain and a plentiful harvest.

    4. Karthika Festival:

    The final major festival takes place in November, coinciding with the full moon of the Kartika month. This festival features an internal procession within the temple complex and an illumination ceremony. Oil lamps are lit throughout the temple, creating a mesmerising display that signifies the dispelling of darkness and the triumph of light. This festival is a time for spiritual reflection and devotion.

    Main Highlights of the Temple

    Exterior Grounds:

    Gardens: Take a moment to appreciate the temple’s serene gardens, bordering the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary and Kandy Lake. The picturesque lake, built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, adds to the tranquil ambience.

    Entrance (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, you will know that the moonstones take on an entirely different form of architecture and design at the temple site.

    Inner Temple:

    Pattirippuwa: As you enter, the magnificent octagonal structure, Pattirippuwa, appreciate the intricate architecture. An Iconic landmark that adorns postcards, this structure is a very well-recognised feature of the temple.

    Ground Floor:

    Main Shrine Entrance: Walk through an elaborately decorated tunnel adorned with beautiful paintings depicting historical and religious scenes.

    First Floor: Marvel at the intricately painted walls and wooden carvings on the roof. Look for decorative elements such as ivory and Buddhist flags.

    Upper Floor (Restricted View):

    Sacred Tooth Relic Chamber: The revered relic is housed on the upper floor within a golden-roofed chamber. It’s encased in seven gem-studded golden caskets of diminishing sizes. The chamber doors, decorated with ivory carvings, are usually closed, but open during daily pooja rituals. Visitors can offer flowers at the designated area and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the shrine room.

    Additional Highlights of the Temple

    Royal Palace (Under Renovation): While currently closed to the public, remnants of the ancient Kandyan Royal Palace stand within the temple grounds, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur.

    Audience Hall: Admire the exquisite wood carvings on the pillars and roof of this hall, once used by Kandyan Kings to hold court.

    Four Devale Shrines: Pay homage to the shrines dedicated to the guardian Gods Natha, Vishnu, Pattini, and Kataragama, significant figures in Sri Lankan religious traditions.

    International Buddhist Museum: Deepen your understanding of Buddhism at this museum showcasing statues and paintings from 17 Asian countries. Informative storyboards in English explain the history and legends surrounding the Sacred Tooth Relic.

    Raja Tusker Museum: Don’t miss the Raja Tusker Museum, where you can learn about Raja, the beloved 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 Esala Perahera for many of his years at the temple.

    Souvenir Shop: Pick up unique Sri Lankan souvenirs like handcrafted elephant figurines and paintings to commemorate your visit.

    Temple Hours of Operation

    The temple is open for devotees daily 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)

    Timings of the day’s rituals

    Early Period of Service: 5.30 a.m. to 7.00 a.m
    Middle Period of Service: 9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m
    Evening Period of Service: 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m

    Entrance Guidelines for local and foreign visitors

    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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