The Temple of the Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It holds a sacred relic - a tooth believed to be from the Buddha himself. This guide will provide you with comprehensive information on visiting this magnificent temple and ensuring a meaningful experience.

The temple holds great religious and historical significance for Buddhists worldwide. According to history, after Lord Buddha's cremation, one of his teeth which is believed to be the left canine tooth was rescued from the ashes and brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th  century AD. Over the centuries, the sacred tooth relic was safeguarded and revered by several ancient kingdoms in Sri Lanka.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic holds great historical and religious significance. It was built in the 16th century and has since been an important cultural and religious symbol for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The tooth relic is highly esteemed, as it represents the Buddha's enlightenment and the prosperity of the nation.

The temple is situated in the heart of Kandy, which is easily accessible from major cities in Sri Lanka. You can reach Kandy by train, bus, or private vehicle. 

Why do you visit the Temple of The Tooth Relic?

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists around the world and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nevertheless, its a magnificent structure with intricate architecture, reflecting Kandy's rich cultural heritage.                                                 

Unique Architecture: The Temple complex exhibits exquisite architecture, featuring a mix of Kandyan, Indo- Aryan , and other architectural designs. The main shrine, known as the 'Vadahitina Maligawa' is built using wood, ivory, and silver while the main rituals occur in the 'Udu Mandapaya' building.

Outline of the typical daily rituals at the Temple of the Tooth Relic

Daily rituals at the temple revolve around paying homage to the sacred tooth relic and are performed by the resident monks and devotees.

Morning Ritual: The temple opens early in the morning, and the resident monks begin the day by conducting morning rituals. Devotees are welcomed to pay their respects and offer flowers and incense to the tooth relic.

Puja Rituals:     Throughout the day, several puja (religious rituals) take place at specific intervals. These rituals involve chanting of ancient Buddhist verses, offering of flowers, lighting of lamps, and burning of incense. The puja rituals are performed to seek blessings.

What is the best time to visit?

You can visit Dalada Maligawa any of the day of the week. Its opened from 0530 Hrs to 2000 Hrs.  You can see the casket of the Tooth Relic only during the service Hours. There are three service per day as follows:

Morning Service: from 0530 Hrs to 1900 Hrs

Midday Service: from 0930 Hrs to 1100 Hrs

Evening Service: from 1830 Hrs to 2000 Hrs

During service hours, you can expect traditional Buddhist chants and prayers to be played. These chants and prayers are recited by the resident monks and can create s serene and meditative atmosphere within the temple.

In addition to  the chants and prayers, you might also hear the sounds of traditional Sri Lankan instruments such as drums and flutes being played. These instruments are often used to accompany the chanting and prayers, adding a musical and cultural element to the service.

Please note that the specific chants, prayers, and music played at Dalada Maligawa may vary depending on the time of day and the particular ceremony or ritual being held. It is always best to check with the temple authorities or consult a local guide prior attending.

But, if you are planning to have a peaceful visit and explore the arts and crafts, I recommend you to avoid the service hours as its the most crowded times of the day and avoid poya days, which refers to the monthly full moon day in the Buddhist Calendar. On poya day, as it is a  public holiday, Buddhists engage in religious activities , visit temples , and observe spiritual practise. 

 What to wear?

 If you are planning to visit Dalada Maligawa, it is recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, as it is a religious place. Men should wear long pants or trousers, and shirts with sleeves (short sleeves are usually acceptable). Women should wear long skirts or dresses that cover their knees, or trousers, along with tops that cover their shoulders and avoid low-cut or revealing outfits.

Additionally. it is customary to remove shoes and hats before entering the temple, so make sure to wear comfortable footwear that can be easily taken off. Carrying a shawl or scarf to cover your head and shoulders is also a good idea.  

Nevertheless, You can see number of signs board at the premises and do follow them in order to experience the peaceful visit. In addition to that you can take pictures but never turn your back to Buddhas statues. That is considered as disrespect to Lord Buddha. Taking phone calls is strictly prohibited as it disturbs the devotees and visitors.    

Kandy Esala Perahera      

Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the most renowned and spectacular festivals in Sri Lanka. Celebrated in the city of Kandy. it is a grand procession that pays homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha , which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The origin of the Esala Perahera date back to ancient times, when it was believed to be a ritual performed to request blessings from the gods for abundant rainfall for the cultivation of crops. Over the years, it has transformed into a religious and cultural extravaganza that attracts both locals and tourists from around the world.

The festival takes place over several nights, usually in the month of July or August, coinciding with the full moon. The preparations for the event start long before, with the selection of the tusker elephants that will carry the sacred relic casket. These majestic animals are adorned with vibrant costumes and intricate decorations that add to the magnificence event. 

In 2023, The Grand Pageant of Asia, also known as Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled from 21st August to 31 August. I recommend you to never miss this opportunity to eye witness this biggest and colourful event in the Asia.

I hope this post was helpful and gave you a little guide  for your visit to Dalada Maligawa. If it did helpful please share this with your friends who are interested in Sri Lanka and comments are welcome too. 

Thank you so much for reading this article and we will meet again with another informative post.