Sri Dalada Maligawa

Golden Splendor of the Sacred Dalada Maligawa

The Sacred Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is one of the most revered Buddhist temples in the world. It houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is believed to hold immense spiritual and political significance in Sri Lankan history.

HISTORY

Ancient Origins & Journey of the Tooth Relic

The sacred tooth relic was preserved after Lord Buddha’s cremation in 543 BCE and was initially kept in India. According to historical records, it was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha, who carried it hidden in her hair to protect it from conflicts in India. They presented it to King Kithsirimevan (301-328 CE), who enshrined it in Anuradhapura, the then capital of Sri Lanka.

Symbol of Royal Power

The possession of the tooth relic became a symbol of legitimacy for Sri Lankan kings. Whoever held the relic was considered the rightful ruler of the island. It was housed in various capitals over the centuries, including Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, and Kotte, before finally being enshrined in Kandy in the 16th century during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I (1592–1604).

Construction of the Temple in Kandy

The present Dalada Maligawa was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya I to safeguard the relic. Successive Kandyan kings, including King Sri Vira Parakrama Narendrasinghe (1707–1739) and King Kirti Sri Rajasinghe (1747–1782), expanded and enhanced the temple.

Colonial Challenges & Preservation

During the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods, the relic was moved to protect it from foreign invasions. However, under British rule (1815-1948), the relic remained in Kandy, and its religious significance was preserved despite political changes.

Modern Times & Cultural Significance

Today, Dalada Maligawa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. It hosts the annual Esala Perahera, a grand cultural and religious festival where the sacred relic is honored with processions featuring elephants, dancers, and drummers. The temple remains a spiritual and historical symbol of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage.

KEY ATTRACTIONS

Sacred Tooth Relic Chamber – The most revered section of the temple, where the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined inside a golden casket. Devotees can view the casket during special prayer times.
Pattirippuwa (Octagonal Pavilion) – Originally built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe as a royal audience hall, it now serves as an iconic architectural feature of the temple.
The Golden Canopy – A modern addition that protects the sacred chamber, enhancing the temple’s grandeur.
Aluth Maligawa (New Shrine Hall) – Houses a museum with Buddha statues and artifacts from various countries, showcasing Buddhist art and culture.
Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa) – A historic wooden pavilion where Kandyan kings held meetings and made royal declarations.
Esala Perahera Festival – A grand annual procession featuring beautifully decorated elephants, dancers, drummers, and fire performers to honor the sacred relic.
Temple Museums – The Dalada Museum and the Sri Dalada Museum showcase historical artifacts, royal regalia, and ancient manuscripts related to the temple and Sri Lankan history.
Kandy Lake – A scenic artificial lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, surrounding the temple, offering a serene environment for visitors.