Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Description
The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is in the center of the cityand was originally built by the Kandyan Kings between 1687 and 1707, in order to house and honor the sacred tooth relic. ‘Maligawa’ (Palace) literally translates to palace, and the temple is part of the palace complex. The entire complex is over three centuries old at least and has seen many a king’s rise and fall. The tooth relic temple enshrines relics of what is believed to be the actual teeth of Lord Buddha in well secured golden casket. After Lord Buddha was cremated, his four canine teeth were taken from the ashes. These teeth are regarded as the holiest relics of Buddhism. It’s the fourth tooth, the tooth relic of the Kalinga, that is today enshrined at the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
When a neighbouring kingdom waged war with King Guhasiva of Kalinga to get hold of the Tooth relic, for its safety, the tooth relic was taken out of India and sent to Sri Lanka with his daughter Princess Hemamali. At that time, Buddhism was already well established in Sri Lanka, and the island’s rulers maintained close relations with the Indian states that fostered Buddhism. The relic was hidden in her hair as she fled from Hindu armies who were besieging her father’s kingdom in India. It was placed on a gold lotus flower and enshrined inside a nested jewelled casket fronted by two large elephant tusks. On special occasions the relic was paraded around the streets of Kandy on the back of an elephant (these animals being sacred to Lord Buddha). According to legend, there was once a severe drought. The Tooth Relic was taken out of its shrine and a great procession was held for seven days. This ended the drought and started the tradition of the Perahera Festival.
The most religiously significant place for Buddhists, the temple of the sacred tooth relic attracts tourists from around the world and monks and Buddhists from Thailand, China, Nepal and more. Located in Kandy, the temple houses one of the most important relics to have ever been conserved – the tooth of the Buddha! The world heritage site speaks an architectural language for itself and stands tall with its golden roof. The temple is highly guarded and is open for tourists and visitors.
