The Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka is home to the revered tooth relic of Buddha, making it a highly significant site not only in the country but also in the global Buddhist community. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it holds immense cultural and religious importance, solidifying its status as the most sacred place in Sri Lanka.
My first stop in Kandy was supposed to be the Temple, but unfortunately, it was closed for a few weeks following the tragic events of the 2019 suicide bombing attacks. After patiently waiting, I finally got the chance to visit the Temple again, and it was well worth the wait!
According to the legend, the left upper canine tooth of Buddha was taken by one of his Buddhist monks during his funeral. The relic tooth was a very precious item which later on was smuggled by a princess in her hair around the year 300! When the princess landed on the Island of Sri Lanka, she gave it to the monarch of the time and he enshrined it and took guard of it. Being in the custody of such a treasure meant the right to rule the island of Sri Lanka. Later on, in the 1500s, the relic was taken to the city of Kandy hidden inside a grinding stone. It was taken away again during the Portuguese invasion but later on, placed in the temple built by Vira Narendra Sinha who was the last Sinhalese King of Sri Lanka from 1707-1739. What a traveling tooth!
The Royal Palace complex is breathtaking and the city of Kandy was a kingdom during the time of Lord Buddha (remember that Lord Buddha was born around the 4th or 5th century BC). The Temple is located within the Royal Palace and it is where currently the Tooth Relic is located which was built in 1592 (it was housed in different temples before). The Royal Palace complex is very large and there are other burn arildings, museums, a palace, and a forest reserve with amazing gardens.
The Temple is a significant site for worship, where prayer sessions, Poojas, and other rituals are conducted in honor of Lord Buddha. Safely kept in a gold casket, the Sacred Tooth, which is the left Canine tooth, is revered and believed to have performed miracles throughout history. Although it remains unseen, its presence is trusted and revered by many.
In Sri Lankan culture, the ownership of the Sacred Tooth Relic has long been associated with the rightful authority of the reigning monarch. This relic was viewed as a symbol of divine entitlement to govern, playing a pivotal role in both the political and spiritual realms of the nation. The monarch’s responsibility as the guardian of this relic was regarded as a holy obligation and a manifestation of divine blessing.
It is important not to forget that this is a place of worship where Buddhist Monks perform rituals in the inner chambers of the palace. While tourists are welcome to the prayer sessions, there has to be silence and proper attire is required (no low-cut shirts or tank tops, etc). While in Rome do like the Romans.
ESALA PARAHERA
The Kandy Perahera, also called the Esala Perahera, stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking and culturally important events. Every year in Kandy, this festival honors the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, housed in the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). This magnificent parade usually occurs in July or August, coinciding with the Esala month in the Sinhalese lunar calendar.
A water fountain sacred place
Above a beautiful place for offering displays of candles as thank you a token to Lord Buddha
