Sri Dalada maligava

 

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The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in the world. It is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, and houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. This relic is of immense religious and cultural significance to Buddhists, as it is believed to symbolize the living presence of the Buddha.

History

• The tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka during the 4th century AD by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha from India.
• It became a royal treasure and was enshrined in different locations across the country before being brought to Kandy by King Vimaladharmasuriya I in the late 16th century.
• The temple was constructed within the Royal Palace complex of the Kandyan Kingdom, showcasing its importance as a symbol of sovereignty.

Architecture

• The temple features traditional Kandyan architecture with beautiful wood carvings, golden roofs, and intricate frescoes.
• A moat surrounds the temple, adding to its grandeur.
• The octagonal structure, known as the Paththirippuwa, was added during the reign of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha and is now used to house ancient manuscripts.

Religious Significance

• The relic is enshrined in a golden casket within the temple and is not directly visible to visitors.
• The Esala Perahera, a grand annual procession, is held in honor of the relic. It is one of the most spectacular cultural events in Sri Lanka, featuring traditional dancers, drummers, and beautifully adorned elephants.

Visiting the Temple

• Open to both locals and tourists, the temple welcomes thousands of visitors daily.
• Visitors are required to dress modestly and remove footwear before entering the temple.
• Early morning and evening pujas (prayer ceremonies) are particularly special, as they include offerings to the relic.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is part of the Sacred City of Kandy, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.