Kandy is a beautiful city located in the Central Plains of Sri Lanka, and is considered to be the cultural capital of the island. It is home to one of the most venerated places in Buddhism – the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. In Sinhalese, the temple is known as "Sri Dalada Maligawa," and houses the tooth relic of the Buddha – which draws in thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Visiting the temple is a great way to learn more about Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage.
Things to know
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic holds important religious and historical significance to Buddhists. Legend says that the tooth was taken from the Buddha's funeral pyre in 543 BCE and brought to Sri Lanka. Since then, possession of the tooth relic came to symbolise the authority to rule by ancient kings. These rulers went to great lengths to keep it safe, moving it from place to place so as to protect it from invaders.
The present temple complex was constructed by King Vimaladharmasuriya I in the 17th century and expanded and renovated by later rulers. The temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is now one of the main attractions in Sri Lanka.
How to get there
To reach the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, you can take an 8-minute walk from the Kandy town, which follows the scenic path around the Kandy lake. Or, if you prefer, hire a tuk-tuk – the fare is between Rs.200 and Rs.250. There are two main entrances to the temple: one off the Kandy Jaffna Highway, which is where you'll arrive if you're coming from Kandy town. The other one is located near the Kandy Lake.
Opening times and visiting hours
The temple is open from 5.30 am to 8 pm every day. The entrance fee to the temple for foreigners is Rs.1000, plus an additional Rs.300 for photography, while the entrance is free for locals. Aim to visit during the puja ceremonies, which take place at dawn, midday, and in the evening. This will allow you to witness the religious rites connected to the relic, which are often accompanied by drumming on traditional instruments.
Highlights of the temple
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is an eye-catching building which showcases a combination of architectural styles, namely Kandyan and South Indian. Its white stone walls and golden canopy stand out, making it glitter in the sunlight. Visitors can view the frescoes inside that depict tales from Sri Lanka’s ancient history and mythology.
One of the main attractions is the Octagon, known as "Pattirippuwa," constructed during the reign of King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. Though the building was once a royal audience hall, it is now used to store ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. The sacred tooth relic is housed in the inner sanctum. Unfortunately, devotees are not allowed to view it, and only monks and dignitaries can enter. You might be able to see the relic inside the golden casket during the daily puja ceremonies, however.
Travellers can also explore the larger area around the temple, which includes the Royal Palace and Kandy Lake. There are many notable sites situated nearby as well, such as the National Museum. Visitors can find high-class hotels in Kandy town within easy reach of its top attractions, such as Hotel Topaz.
Tips for visitors
Visitors to the temple will need to dress modestly and ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered. It's also a common practice to take off your shoes and hats before entering. If you're in shorts, you’ll be able to rent a sarong at the entrance to wear over it. While photography is allowed in most areas, it’s important to be respectful and avoid taking photos during the puja ceremonies.
If you’d like to learn more about the temple, consider hiring a guide, as they can share fascinating insights into the history and legends surrounding the tooth relic. There are also guided tours offered in different languages.
