Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of Tooth is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a popular destination of Buddhist pilgrimage. It is believed that Lord Buddha's left upper canine tooth has been placed here. When Kandy became the new capital of Sri Lanka, the tooth of Lord Buddha was brought here and a shrine was built where the tooth was placed.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa or Tooth Temple was built between the years 1687 and 1707 during the rule of Kandyan Kings in Sri Lanka. The shrine was extensively damaged from the battles that took place during the colonial powers in the 18th Century. Later the wooden Tooth Temple was restored and its damaged portions were built with stone. The temple was again damaged in 1998 but restoration work soon followed.
During Esala Perahera - a Buddhist celebration, the tooth relic from Sri Dalada Maligawa is taken out. This ritual is observed once a year. A long procession is arranged where an elephant leads the procession carrying the tooth relic. Daily rituals known as Tevava are observed at the Tooth Temple or Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. The daily rituals take place every morning, noon and evening.
At Sri Dalada Maligawa, the tooth relic is placed inside a shrine. It is kept on a lotus flower made of gold. The Tooth Temple is connected to a tower in the temple premise known as the Pattiripuwa. Here manuscripts have been preserved.

Sri Dalada Maligawa: The Sacred Heart of Sri Lanka

Located in the historic city of Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most revered religious site in Sri Lanka. Housing what is believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, this temple is a place of worship, national pride, and cultural heritage. It draws pilgrims from across the globe who come to pay homage, and its intricate architecture, historical significance, and daily rituals provide visitors with a deeply immersive experience.

Historical Background of Sri Dalada Maligawa

The Sacred Tooth Relic has a long and storied history in Sri Lanka. According to legend, the relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE from India, smuggled in the hair of Princess Hemamala, the daughter of an Indian king. The relic symbolized the power and protection of the Buddhist monarchy, and for centuries, the possession of the Sacred Tooth Relic was tied to the legitimacy of kingship on the island.

The temple housing the relic, built within the royal palace complex in Kandy, was completed in the early 18th century. Since then, the Sri Dalada Maligawa has survived several invasions, colonial interventions, and even a bombing in the late 20th century. Through it all, the temple has been preserved and restored, standing today as a place of immense spiritual importance.

The Sacred Tooth Relic and its Significance

In Buddhist belief, relics of the Buddha hold great spiritual power, symbolizing his teachings, presence, and blessings. The Sacred Tooth Relic, enshrined in a golden casket within the temple, is treated as a living symbol of the Buddha’s influence. Though the relic itself is not visible to the public, the casket containing it is displayed during special rituals, with a degree of reverence rarely seen elsewhere.

The presence of the relic has made Kandy a focal point of Sri Lankan Buddhism, and the temple is not only a place of worship but also a cultural institution, with rituals, processions, and festivals held throughout the year.

Experiencing Sri Dalada Maligawa: A Ground-Level Exploration

Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic offers a unique opportunity to engage with Sri Lankan Buddhist practices, observe daily rituals, and experience the peaceful ambiance that fills the complex.

1. The Temple Complex: An Architectural Marvel

The temple complex is a harmonious blend of traditional Sri Lankan architecture with features like wooden pillars, stone carvings, and gilded ceilings. Intricate Kandyan-style designs cover walls, roofs, and doors, showcasing the artistry and dedication of craftsmen from centuries past. The moonstone at the entrance, symbolic motifs, and elaborately carved pillars all reflect the elegance of Kandyan architecture.

Walking through the temple complex, visitors will encounter different sections including Meda Midula (the middle courtyard), Handun Kunama (a fragrant chamber), and the main shrine where the relic resides. The temple also features impressive frescoes and stone reliefs that illustrate scenes from Buddhist history.

2. The Shrine Room of the Sacred Tooth Relic

At the heart of the temple is the Viharage or shrine room, where the Sacred Tooth Relic is housed. The relic itself is encased in seven golden caskets, each adorned with precious gems. Only monks are permitted to approach the relic, but visitors can observe the golden casket from a distance during designated times, particularly during the Pooja ceremony held in the mornings and evenings.

Ground-level experience: As you observe the Pooja ceremony, you’ll see devotees offering flowers, lighting incense, and performing silent prayers, adding a powerful sense of devotion to the temple’s atmosphere.

3. Visiting the Temple Museum and Historical Artifacts

The temple museum, located within the complex, houses a collection of historical artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and royal regalia associated with the Sacred Tooth Relic. The museum is an invaluable source of information on the relic's history, showcasing items that reveal its journey across different parts of Sri Lanka and its significance to past kings.

Experience highlight: Walking through the museum gives visitors a glimpse of how the relic was treated as a national treasure, protected with great reverence by Sri Lankan rulers and the local community.

4. The Daily Poojas and Rituals

A visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa would not be complete without witnessing a daily Pooja ritual. Held three times daily—at dawn, noon, and in the evening—these rituals involve traditional drumming, chanting, and the offering of flowers. The morning Pooja, held around 5:30 AM, is particularly special as it marks the start of the temple’s spiritual activities for the day.

Devotees gather with offerings, and the air fills with the sounds of hevisi drums and the scent of incense. Observing this ritual offers a moving insight into the devotion of Sri Lankans, as monks recite blessings for the people, country, and world peace.

Ground-level experience: Visitors are encouraged to join devotees in offering flowers, often lotus blooms, as an act of respect for the Buddha. This interactive experience allows visitors to feel a connection to the temple’s traditions.

Esala Perahera: A Grand Festival of Devotion

The Esala Perahera is Sri Lanka’s most famous festival, held annually in July or August to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic. This 10-day event transforms Kandy into a vibrant spectacle of dance, drumming, and colorful pageantry. Elephants adorned in ornate costumes, fire dancers, and traditional drummers fill the streets in an elaborate procession led by the Maligawa Tusker—the temple’s chief elephant, chosen to carry the casket symbolizing the Tooth Relic.

The Esala Perahera is not only a religious ceremony but also a celebration of Sri Lankan culture. Thousands of devotees and tourists gather to witness this grand display, which serves as a symbol of Buddhist devotion and national pride.

Ground-level experience: Watching the Esala Perahera from a roadside spot in Kandy, visitors feel the energy of the performers and the crowd’s excitement. Participating in this historic festival is one of the most memorable ways to experience the depth of Buddhist devotion in Sri Lanka.

Suggested Itineraries for a Visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa

A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can be an enriching standalone experience or part of a larger exploration of Kandy and its surroundings. Here are two popular itineraries:

1. Full-Day Kandy Cultural Tour

• Morning: Start at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, arriving early to attend the morning Pooja and explore the temple complex.
• Midday: Visit the Royal Palace of Kandy, which stands next to the temple, followed by the National Museum of Kandy to learn more about Sri Lankan history and art.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake and visit Kandy’s Botanic Gardens to admire the island’s diverse flora.
• Evening: Return to the temple for the evening Pooja, and if visiting during Esala Perahera season, find a spot to watch the procession.

2. Buddhist Pilgrimage Circuit

This itinerary is ideal for those with a deeper interest in Buddhism, covering key Buddhist sites across Sri Lanka.

• Day 1: Begin in Kandy with a visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa and experience the evening Pooja.
• Day 2: Travel to Anuradhapura to see the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and explore the ancient stupas.
• Day 3: Visit Dambulla Cave Temple to witness its stunning Buddha statues and murals.
• Day 4: Explore the ruins of Polonnaruwa, including the Gal Vihara rock temple.
• Day 5: End in Mihintale, considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and reflect on the spiritual journey.

Practical Tips for Visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa

• Dress Code: Visitors are required to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Sarongs or shawls are often available for rent at the entrance.
• Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the temple. Storing them at the entrance or carrying them in a bag is common.
• Etiquette: Respect the sanctity of the site by refraining from loud conversations and not turning your back on the Sacred Tooth Relic while taking photographs.
• Photography: Photography is allowed, but be mindful of restrictions in certain areas and avoid taking pictures during Pooja times.

The Temple’s Influence on Kandy and Sri Lankan Culture

Sri Dalada Maligawa has been a guiding force for Buddhist values in Sri Lanka. The rituals, art, and architecture associated with the temple have influenced the surrounding city and island-wide traditions. The temple’s proximity to Kandy’s other attractions, such as the Kandy Lake and the Royal Palace, makes it a central landmark in the city.

The temple also acts as a cultural hub where traditional music, dance, and crafts are preserved and celebrated. The Kandyan drumming and dancing, which visitors experience during temple rituals and Esala Perahera, are rooted in the ancient practices associated with Sri Dalada Maligawa. These art forms have been passed down through generations and remain integral to Sri Lankan identity.