10/11/2025
Sri Dalada Maligawa 🇱🇰 (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)
📍 Location:
Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka
🕰️ Historical Background:
The temple houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is believed to be the left canine tooth of the Buddha.
The relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD from India by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha, hidden in her hair.
It became a symbol of kingship — whoever possessed the Tooth Relic was considered the rightful ruler of Sri Lanka.
🏯 Architecture & Layout:
Built during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592–1604).
The temple is part of the Royal Palace complex in Kandy.
The building features Kandyan architecture with gold-plated roofs, beautifully carved wood, and painted walls.
The Octagon (Pattirippuwa) was added later by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe.
🕯️ Religious Significance:
It is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.
The Sacred Tooth Relic is not shown to the public but kept inside a golden casket, within several nested caskets.
Daily Thevava (rituals) are conducted three times a day — morning, noon, and evening.
The annual Esala Perahera (July–August) honors the Tooth Relic with a grand procession featuring elephants, dancers, drummers, and monks.
⏰ Opening Hours:
Daily: 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Main puja times:
Morning: 5:30 AM
Noon: 9:30 AM
Evening: 6:30 PM
💵 Entrance Fee (approximate):
Foreign visitors: Around LKR 2000
Sri Lankans: Free or minimal charge
Dress code: Modest clothing — shoulders and knees covered.
The temple and the city of Kandy were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
