Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a must-visit destination in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Located in the Royal Palace Complex of the old Kingdom of Kandy, this temple is renowned for housing the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic, making it one of the most significant Buddhist sites globally. The relic symbolizes the legitimacy of Sri Lankan rulers and has a rich history that adds to the temple’s allure.
The temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a living center of Sri Lankan Buddhist traditions. Every day, monks from the Malwathu and Asgiri chapters perform rituals at dawn, noon, and evening, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries-old practices. On Wednesdays, a special ceremony called Nanumura Mangallaya takes place, during which the relic is bathed with scented water and adorned with flowers. This ritual is believed to bring blessings and adds a unique touch to the visitor experience.
The story of the relic’s journey to Sri Lanka is fascinating. After the Buddha’s death, his tooth relic was kept in Kalinga and later brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha, who concealed it in Hemamali’s hair to protect it. The relic was first enshrined in Anuradhapura, and its presence became a symbol of authority over the island.
Over the centuries, the temple’s location has changed due to historical events. It was moved from Niyamgampaya Vihara and Delgamuwa Vihara before finding its current site in Kandy. King Vimaladharmasuriya I initially constructed a structure for the relic, and the present temple was built by King Vira Narendra Sinha. Notable features include the octagonal Paththirippuwa and moat, added during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.
Sri Dalada Maligawa is also famous for its beautiful architecture. The temple complex features intricate stone carvings, including the Mahawahalkada, the main entrance gate spanning a moat. Despite damage from a 1998 bomb blast, the entrance and carvings have been meticulously restored. Visitors can also admire the Sandakada pahana, or moonstone, at the base of the Mahawahalkada steps, crafted in the traditional Kandyan style.
One of the temple’s highlights is the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned events. This grand procession features elaborately decorated elephants, traditional drummers, and vibrant dancers, celebrating the sacred tooth relic and attracting thousands of visitors each year. Attending this festival offers a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture.
For those planning a visit, Sri Dalada Maligawa is easily accessible by public transportation. Kandy is well-connected by bus from major cities, including a 122-kilometer journey from Colombo. Visitors should consider timing their trip to coincide with the daily rituals or the Kandy Esala Perahera for an enhanced experience.
In addition to the temple, Kandy offers other attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens and Kandy Lake. These sites complement the spiritual journey at Sri Dalada Maligawa with their own unique appeal. Overall, a visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa is a rich cultural and spiritual experience, offering insights into Sri Lanka’s heritage and traditions.
Route from Colombo
Take bus route 01 from the Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Pettah, Colombo, to Kandy. Once you arrive at the Kandy bus stand, you can easily reach Sri Dalada Maligawa by taking a tuk-tuk, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers away.
