Temple of the Tooth

April 20, 2020

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Temple of the Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Kandy is the last kingdom of Sri Lanka and Sacred Tooth relic is located in the royal palace complex. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan rulers and is a World Heritage Site for the most part because of the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Rituals are performed three times daily. There’s a special event called “Nanumura Mangallaya” will perform In each Wednesday. It’s a symbolic bathing of the tooth relic with herbs and scented water and fragrant flowers. This holy water contains healing powers.

History

Photo by Anuradha Dullewe Wijeyeratne After the “Parinirwanaya” of Lord Buddha, the tooth relic was protected in Kalinga and snitched to the island by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese Kings from 1592 – 1815. The Tooth Relic is the most sacred Buddhist shrine of the world. The Tooth Relic had been hidden for several times Due to the attacks from Portuguese and Dutch.

The King Vimaladarmasuriya has been designated Kandy as his governing capital in 1592-1603, during his governing time he has been constructed two story building close to the royal palace and it has been damaged by the Portuguese. The recent two story building has been built by King Viraparakrama Narendrasinha (1706 - 1738). The last king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 - 1814) built the Pattirippuwa. The Pattirippuwa was a part of royal palace and it was used to address his people.

MAIN SHRINE

Main Shrine

The doors of the lower floor & upper floor are ivory carvings. The place in which the tooth relic is kept is known as the "Handun kunama".

THE GOLDEN CANOPY

The golden canopy was recently built by prime minister Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1987. The tooth relic is covered in seven golden caskets which are decorated with valuable gemstones. The casket which is used during the Kandy Esala Perahera.

Royal Palace

The royal palace is located to the north of the temple. It was built in 13th Century. Now it is using as an archeological museum.

Audience hall

The audience hall is where the kings held their court. It was built it in 1783, completed during the period of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.

Esala Perahera

Esala Perahera is one of the main festival in Sri Lanka during the month of July & August and it considered as one of a largest Buddhist celebration in the world. This celebration is held annually to pay respect to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. It’s featuring dancers, jugglers, musicians, fire-breathers, and decorated elephants.

THINGS TO KNOW

OPENING AND CLOSING TIME

The temple of the tooth start for the public visit @05:30 and Close @20:30 – Daily

CLOTHING

Wearing white color or light color clothing is most suitable when you are visiting the Buddhist temples, it shows respect. You need to cover your knees and shoulders and need to remove your slippers or shoes.