Sri Dalada Maligawa in Sri Lanka, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Temple of the Tooth, is a Buddhist temple housing the left tooth of Gautama Buddha. The shrine is close to the Kandy’s Royal Palace complex and is Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist temple. The Sacred City of Kandy, also called Senkadagalapura City, became a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1988. Pilgrims from all over the globe come to pray and bask in the serenity surrounding this temple as it holds immense value. The temple is also famous for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
About Sri Dalada Maligawa In Sri Lanka
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Why is the Temple of the Tooth famous? The Sri Dalada Maligawa’s architecture is one of a kind because it is a combination of two mesmerising styles. It is constructed using Kandyan style, which involves wood, stone carvings, and murals. It also has elements of the Dalada Mandira architecture style used by other kingdoms where the Sacred Tooth Relic was stored. The Sacred Tooth has been enshrined in the temple and placed on a stupa made of gold. It is preserved and encased in seven meticulously designed caskets with several colourful and precious gemstones.
The temple is always bustling with people as thousands of devout devotees and tourists visit the temple for spiritual guidance and tranquillity. Kandy City received its distinction of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site partly due to this temple. Sri Dalada Maligawa in Sri Lanka is situated at the perfect location. It is close to the Royal Palace which falls in the temple’s North direction. In the South, there is the popular tourist attraction Kandy Lake, also called Kiri Muhuda. On the West, is the Nathan and Paththini Devalaya and the Udawaththa Kelaya, a forest reserve, on the East.
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History Of Temple Of The Tooth
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The history of the Sri Dalada Maligawa is quite intriguing. Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamala brought the Sacred Tooth Relic from Kalinga in India to Sri Lanka. This happened during King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna’s reign between 301 to 328. The Sacred Tooth Relic was first kept protected in the Dalada Madura in Kandy. King Wimaladharmasuriya constructed it when he reigned from 1592 to 1604. When the Portuguese invaded Kandy, the Dalada Madura was damaged and destroyed. King Rajasinghe built another temple at the same site when he reigned from 1635 to 1687.
This time, the Dutch burnt the temple. The same year, King Wimaladharmasuriya II built it again; a three-storeyed temple. Every day he performed rituals with full faith. But time slowly destroyed it again. King Wimaladharmasuriya’s son, King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe, built another temple. It was a two-storeyed one. He reigned from 1707 to 1739. This is the temple that still stands today. The Kings from South India ruled the country, and they ensured the temple was protected at all costs. King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe did the final renovation, while the pavilion was built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, who reigned from 1798 to 1815.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Services And Tickets
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The Sri Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka has continued to protect the tooth relic and rituals are conducted daily without any break. All this is ensured by the three chief custodians of the relic and others who oversee the temple’s duties. The temple opens at 5:30 am every day and closes by 8 pm. You can visit the temple anytime during these hours. The thewawa, or daily services and rituals, are performed three times in the temple.
Early morning rituals: 5:30 am to 7 am
Morning rituals: 9:30 am to 11 am
Morning/Afternoon/Evening rituals: 6:30 am to 8 pm
The Sacred Tooth Relic is washed every Wednesday at 9:30 am. It is washed with a specific formulation that consists of many herbs and is called the Nanumura Mangallaya. This herbal concoction is believed to have healing power.
Temple timings: 5:30 am to 8 pm
Operating days: Monday to Sunday
Ticket price for people from SAARC countries, Thailand, and Myanmar: INR 420
Ticket price for people from all other countries: INR 560
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Museum Of The Temple Of The Tooth
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The temple complex also has a Temple of the Tooth Museum that is a must-visit for anyone interested in the temple’s history. Spread across two storeys, it has a rich collection of items that include the donations given to the temple. As these donations date back centuries, it is a very interesting place to understand how much people valued the temple. The museum also has Royal apparel, antiques, topographical models, Ola manuscripts, ritual-related items, ornaments, and more.
How To Reach Sri Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka
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The temple is quite close to the Kandy railway station. You can walk to the temple as it is just 1.1 km or hire a tuk-tuk. You will find many intercity buses available that will drop you close to the temple premises. Otherwise, you can rent a car or book a cab as these will take you to the temple the fastest even though they may be the most expensive options compared to the other options. These are helpful when you want to visit many places within a short span.
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Tips For Visiting Temple Of The Tooth
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Keep the following in mind before visiting the temple.
- Do not carry heavy luggage, footwear, and unnecessary items inside the temple.
- Avoid wearing revealing and casual clothes. Wearing a burkha is also not permitted.
- Do not bring offerings in non-biodegradable plastic containers/bags.
- Do not bring anything bad for the environment into the temple premises.
Further Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
Now you know why ri Dalada Maligawa in Sri Lanka is so famous, and why you must add it to your fantastic trip to Sri Lanka ! Embrace the richness of culture, and Buddhist ways of thinking, and immerse yourself in the temple’s historical importance. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic and experience the peaceful vibe with your family. There is so much to see around the temple too!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka
Why is the Temple of the Tooth famous?
It is famous for housing Gautama Buddha’s tooth relic. It is also popular for its prime location, architecture, and ambience.
What is the legend associated with the Sri Dalada Maligawa?
It was believed that those who owned the sacred tooth relic or controlled the relic could easily gain control of the government. This made kings go to great lengths to protect it.
Can a tourist with special needs visit the temple?
The temple has a special service to cater to the needs of special needs people. You can call the temple’s administration in advance to get more details and assistance.
How are tickets issued at Sri Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka?
You can get them issued from the ticketing machines found at the temple premises. Note that any other tickets issued from elsewhere are invalid.
What is Esala Perahera?
During the Festival of the Tooth, a replica of the tooth relic is encased in a casket and placed on an elephant which is beautifully decorated during a grand celebratory procession. It takes place every July and August.
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