Tooth Relic Temple is one of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka. In this blog post, we'll cover the temple's history, significance, architecture, and rituals, as well as some practical tips for visiting. By the end of this post, you'll understand why the Temple of the Tooth Relic is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka.
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The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sacred places in the country and houses the tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world each year.
History of the Temple
The history of the Temple of the Tooth Relic dates back to the 4th century BC when the tooth relic of the Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India. The tooth relic was considered to be a symbol of power and was enshrined in various locations throughout Sri Lanka. In the 16th century, King Wimaladharmasuriya I built a temple in Kandy to house the tooth relic permanently.
Over the centuries, the temple has undergone numerous renovations and additions. In the 18th century, the temple was rebuilt by King Kirti Sri Rajasinha after it was destroyed by the Portuguese. During the British colonial period, the temple was used as a storehouse for ammunition, but it was later restored to its original purpose after Sri Lanka gained independence.
Today, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Architecture of the Temple
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a magnificent structure that combines elements of Sri Lankan, Indian, and Thai architecture. The temple complex is surrounded by a wall and has four gates, each facing one of the four cardinal directions. The main entrance is the Eastern Gate, which is known as the "Mahawahalkada" and is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
The temple complex consists of several buildings, including the main temple, the Audience Hall, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The main temple is a two-story structure that houses the tooth relic and is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is the most important building in the complex and is where the tooth relic is kept. The temple is surrounded by a moat and has a golden roof that glitters in the sunlight. Inside the temple, visitors can see the tooth relic in a gold casket, which is encased in a series of seven caskets made from precious metals.
The Audience Hall, also known as the "Magul Maduwa," is a two-story building located in the center of the temple complex. The hall was used by the king to meet with his ministers and other dignitaries, and it is now used for religious ceremonies and rituals.
Significance of the Tooth Relic
The tooth relic of the Buddha is considered to be one of the
most sacred relics in the Buddhist religion. It is believed to have been taken
from the funeral pyre of the Buddha after his death and was smuggled to Sri
Lanka in the hair of a princess. The tooth relic is said to have been carried
to Sri Lanka by a Buddhist monk named Mahinda, who was the son of Emperor
Ashoka.
The tooth relic is believed to have magical powers and is
said to bring good fortune and blessings to those who visit it.
The tooth relic is believed to have various spiritual and
symbolic meanings for Buddhists, and its significance extends beyond just its
historical and cultural value.
In Buddhism, relics are considered to be physical remains of
the Buddha or his disciples that serve as powerful symbols of the Buddha's
teachings and his enlightenment. The tooth relic, in particular, is believed to
be a symbol of the Buddha's wisdom and compassion, and it is revered as a
source of spiritual guidance and inspiration.
In addition to its spiritual significance, the tooth relic also has a long and fascinating history. According to legend, the tooth relic was taken from the funeral pyre of the Buddha after his death and was carried to Sri Lanka by the Indian princess Hemamala and her husband, Prince Dantha. The couple disguised the relic by hiding it in their hair and then smuggled it out of India and into Sri Lanka.
Once in Sri Lanka, the tooth relic was enshrined in various temples throughout the country, and it became a symbol of Buddhist power and influence. Over the centuries, the relic was moved from temple to temple as different rulers and kingdoms rose and fell, and it eventually found its way to Kandy, where it has been housed in the Temple of the Tooth Relic ever since.
The tooth relic has also played a significant role in Sri Lankan politics and culture. It has been the subject of numerous battles and disputes over the centuries, and it has been used by various rulers and leaders as a source of legitimacy and authority. Today, the tooth relic is still an important symbol of Sri Lankan identity and culture, and it is celebrated each year during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, which is one of the largest religious festivals in the world.
Visiting the Temple
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, a visit to the
Temple of the Tooth Relic is an absolute must. To make the most of your visit,
here are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
👉Dress modestly: The temple is a sacred place, so it is
important to dress modestly out of respect. This means covering your shoulders
and knees and avoiding revealing clothing.
👉Remove your shoes: Visitors are required to remove their
shoes before entering the temple complex, so wear shoes that are easy to take
on and off.
👉Be prepared for crowds: The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a
popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak
season.
👉Respect the customs and rituals: The temple is an active
place of worship, so be respectful of the customs and rituals that take place
there. This includes refraining from taking photos or videos of certain areas
and respecting the dress code.
👉Allow plenty of time: There is a lot to see and do at the
temple, so allow plenty of time to explore and take in all the sights and
sounds.
💥Get map directions from Katunayake Airport to Kandy
Kandy City Map
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