Temple of the Tooth / Sri Dalada Maligawa
Sri Lanka's Most Sacred Buddhist Sanctuary
The Sacred Heart of Buddhist Sri Lanka
In the heart of Kandy, nestled beside the serene waters of Kandy Lake and surrounded by misty hills, stands the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) - the most revered Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and one of the most sacred sites in the Buddhist world. This magnificent temple complex, with its golden roofs gleaming in the tropical sun and intricate architecture reflecting centuries of royal patronage, houses what Buddhists believe to be the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha himself, making it a pilgrimage destination of unparalleled spiritual significance.
The temple's history spans over 1,600 years, beginning when the sacred tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in 313 CE, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali who fled the destruction of Kalinga in ancient India. Since that momentous arrival, the tooth relic has been the symbol of sovereignty in Sri Lanka - it was believed that whoever possessed the relic had the divine right to rule the island. This sacred connection between the relic and royal power shaped Sri Lankan history for centuries, with successive kingdoms building increasingly magnificent temples to house this most precious of Buddhist relics.
The current temple complex, built during the Kandyan Kingdom period (1687-1815), represents the pinnacle of traditional Sri Lankan architecture and craftsmanship. Every element of the temple - from the intricately carved wooden pillars and painted ceilings to the golden lotus-shaped roof and precious stone inlays - was designed to create a dwelling worthy of housing Buddha's relic. The temple is not just a religious site but a masterpiece of art, architecture, and cultural heritage that tells the story of Sri Lankan Buddhist civilization.
Today, the Temple of the Tooth continues to be the spiritual center of Sri Lankan Buddhism, attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors from around the world. The daily rituals, ancient ceremonies, and the famous Esala Perahera festival that culminates here make this temple a living, breathing center of Buddhist devotion where ancient traditions continue unchanged in the modern world. The temple complex also houses museums, libraries, and cultural centers that preserve and showcase the rich heritage of Buddhist Sri Lanka.
Sacred Heritage
Architecture & Art
Visitor Information
How to Get There
From Colombo (115 km)
- • By Car: 2.5-3 hours via A1 highway
- • By Train: 3-4 hours scenic journey
- • By Bus: 3-4 hours frequent services
Within Kandy
- • Walking: 10 minutes from city center
- • Tuk-tuk: 5 minutes from anywhere in Kandy
- • Bus: Local buses stop near the temple
Parking
Limited street parking available. Best to arrive early or use public transport.
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The Sacred Temple Experience
Temple of the Tooth - Exterior Golden Architecture
At the heart of the temple complex lies the most sacred space in Sri Lankan Buddhism - the inner chamber where the Sacred Tooth Relic is enshrined. This golden sanctuary, accessible only to the highest-ranking monks and officials, contains a series of seven nested golden caskets, each more precious than the last, with the tooth relic housed in the innermost casket made of pure gold and encrusted with the finest gems from Sri Lanka's ancient mines.
The relic chamber itself is a masterpiece of religious art and architecture. The walls are covered in intricate paintings depicting scenes from Buddha's life and the history of the tooth relic, while the ceiling features elaborate lotus designs symbolizing spiritual purity. The golden shrine that houses the caskets is surrounded by offerings of flowers, incense, and precious objects donated by devotees over centuries.
While visitors cannot see the actual tooth relic (it's only displayed on very rare occasions), the spiritual atmosphere in the chamber is overwhelming. The constant chanting of monks, the fragrance of jasmine and frangipani flowers, and the soft glow of oil lamps create an environment of profound reverence that has remained unchanged for over 1,300 years.
Sacred Chamber Experience:
- Daily Rituals: Three puja ceremonies at 5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, and 6:30 PM
- Offerings: Lotus flowers, jasmine, and traditional oil lamps
- Chanting: Ancient Pali verses and traditional Buddhist hymns
- Architecture: Seven-story golden shrine with precious gem inlays
- Spiritual Atmosphere: Profound sense of reverence and ancient devotion
Within the temple complex stands a unique and deeply moving museum dedicated to the sacred elephants that have carried the tooth relic casket during the famous Esala Perahera procession. The Raja Tusker Museum houses the preserved remains of the most revered elephants in Sri Lankan history, including the legendary Raja, who carried the sacred casket for over 50 years and became a beloved figure throughout the island.
The museum's centerpiece is the preserved body of Raja, the most famous tusker in Sri Lankan history, who died in 1988 after decades of faithful service. Raja was not just an elephant - he was considered a sacred being, blessed with the honor of carrying Buddha's relic. His intelligence, gentle nature, and majestic presence made him a beloved figure who drew crowds wherever he appeared. The museum preserves his memory with dignity and reverence.
Beyond Raja, the museum tells the story of the sacred relationship between elephants and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Interactive displays explain the training, care, and spiritual significance of these magnificent animals, while photographs and artifacts document the history of elephant participation in religious ceremonies dating back over 2,000 years.
Museum Highlights:
- Raja's Remains: Preserved body of the legendary tusker (1913-1988)
- Historical Artifacts: Ceremonial decorations and elephant regalia
- Photo Gallery: Decades of Perahera procession memories
- Educational Displays: Elephant training and care traditions
- Cultural Context: Role of elephants in Buddhist ceremonies
The Temple of the Tooth represents the pinnacle of traditional Kandyan architecture, where every element has been crafted with meticulous attention to both aesthetic beauty and spiritual symbolism. The temple's distinctive features include the golden roof that gleams like a beacon across Kandy, intricate wooden pillars carved by master craftsmen, and painted ceilings that tell the story of Buddhism through vibrant colors and symbolic imagery.
The temple's wooden architecture is particularly remarkable, featuring pillars carved from single pieces of timber and decorated with traditional motifs including lotus flowers, elephants, and mythical creatures. The craftsmanship represents skills passed down through generations of Kandyan artisans, with techniques that have remained unchanged for centuries. The intricate joinery work was done without nails, using traditional methods that have allowed these structures to survive for over 300 years.
The painted artwork throughout the temple complex depicts scenes from Buddha's life, Jataka tales (stories of Buddha's previous lives), and the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. These paintings, created using natural pigments and traditional techniques, serve both as decoration and as visual teachings for devotees. The colors remain vibrant despite centuries of tropical weather, testament to the skill of ancient artists.
Architectural Features:
- Golden Roof: Traditional Kandyan-style roof with gold-plated tiles
- Carved Pillars: Intricate woodwork featuring traditional motifs
- Painted Ceilings: Vibrant frescoes depicting Buddhist stories
- Stone Work: Moonstone entrances and guard stones
- Layout: Traditional Buddhist temple design with multiple courtyards
The Magnificent Esala Perahera Festival
Festival Overview & History
The Esala Perahera, held annually during the full moon of August (Esala month), is one of Asia's most spectacular religious festivals and the grandest celebration in Sri Lanka. This magnificent 10-day festival has been celebrated for over 1,600 years, beginning when the Sacred Tooth Relic first arrived in Sri Lanka in 313 CE. What started as a simple religious procession has evolved into an extraordinary cultural extravaganza that showcases the finest traditions of Sri Lankan art, music, dance, and religious devotion.
The festival serves multiple purposes: it honors the Sacred Tooth Relic, celebrates the monsoon rains essential for agriculture, and preserves ancient cultural traditions that might otherwise be lost. For ten magical nights, the streets of Kandy transform into a living museum of Sri Lankan heritage, as performers wearing costumes passed down through generations recreate ceremonies that have remained virtually unchanged since medieval times.
Duration: 10 nights in August (Esala month) • UNESCO Recognized Cultural Heritage
The Sacred Elephant Procession
The centerpiece of the Esala Perahera is the majestic tusker elephant carrying the sacred golden casket (karaduwa) containing a replica of the tooth relic. This magnificent animal, chosen for its size, temperament, and noble bearing, undergoes months of special training and preparation. The elephant is adorned with intricate silk cloth embroidered with gold thread, elaborate jewelry, and decorative lights that create a breathtaking spectacle against the night sky.
Behind the main tusker follow over 100 additional elephants, each representing different temples and cultural organizations throughout Sri Lanka. These elephants, ranging from young calves to ancient matriarchs, are decorated according to traditional styles specific to their regions, creating a diverse display of Sri Lankan elephant decoration traditions. The sight of these gentle giants moving in perfect formation through the narrow streets of Kandy is both humbling and awe-inspiring.
Best viewing: Temple grounds, Dalada Veediya, and Queen's Hotel area
Traditional Cultural Performances
The Perahera showcases the finest traditional arts of Sri Lanka through performances that have been perfected over centuries. Kandyan dancers, wearing elaborate costumes with silver ornaments and colorful silk, perform acrobatic dances that tell stories from Buddhist Jataka tales. Their movements, synchronized with the rhythmic beating of traditional drums, create a mesmerizing display of physical artistry and spiritual devotion.
Fire dancers create spectacular displays against the night sky, spinning burning torches in patterns that represent the triumph of light over darkness. The haunting melodies of traditional instruments - including the gata bera drums, dawula drums, and conch shells - fill the air with sounds that have accompanied these ceremonies for over a millennium. Each performance group represents different regions of Sri Lanka, showcasing the incredible diversity of the island's cultural heritage.
Performances: Kandyan dance, fire displays, traditional music, and folk theater
Festival Highlights:
- • Over 100 magnificently decorated elephants from across Sri Lanka
- • 1,000+ traditional dancers in authentic costumes
- • Sacred casket procession through historic Kandy streets
- • Spectacular fire performances and acrobatic displays
- • Ancient drumming traditions dating back 1,000+ years
- • Whip crackers clearing the path for the sacred procession
- • Traditional flag bearers and ceremonial umbrella holders
- • Spectacular finale water cutting ceremony at Kandy Lake
Ten Days of Celebration:
- • Days 1-5 (Kumbal Perahera): Smaller processions building anticipation
- • Days 6-10 (Randoli Perahera): Grand processions with full splendor
- • Final Day: Day procession and water cutting ceremony
- • Each Night: Procession starts at around 7:00 PM, lasts 5-6 hours
- • Route: 3km circuit through historic Kandy streets (Routes may vary each year)
- • Participants: 5,000+ performers and officials
Understanding the Sacred Procession
The procession includes four Hindu temples (devales) that honor the guardian deities of Sri Lanka:
- • Natha Devale: Dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
- • Vishnu Devale: Honoring Lord Vishnu, protector of Buddhism
- • Kataragama Devale: Dedicated to God Skanda/Murugan
- • Pattini Devale: Honoring Goddess Pattini
Each devale contributes its own elephant procession and dancers
Specialized performer groups maintain ancient traditions:
- • Perahera Dancers: Acrobatic Kandyan-style performances
- • Fire Dancers: Torch spinning and flame manipulation
- • Drummers: Traditional gata bera and dawula rhythms
- • Whip Crackers: Clear the path with ceremonial whips
- • Flag Bearers: Carry colorful silk banners
- • Conch Blowers: Create sacred sounds
Many families have performed for generations
Ancient ceremonies performed during the festival:
- • Kap Cutting: Sacred tree cutting ceremony
- • Water Cutting: Final day ritual at Kandy Lake
- • Coconut Ceremony: Breaking coconuts for blessings
- • Flag Hoisting: Sacred flags raised at devales
- • Perahera Route: Blessing the procession path
- • Elephant Blessing: Sacred rituals for elephants
Each ritual has deep spiritual significance
Planning Your Perahera Experience
Best Viewing Locations
- • Temple of the Tooth: Starting point, most sacred atmosphere
- • Dalada Veediya: Main street with excellent visibility
- • Queen's Hotel Balcony: Premium paid seating (book early)
- • Kandy Lake: Final ceremony viewing area
- • Side Streets: Less crowded but still good views
Ticket Information
- • Free Viewing: Street sides (arrive 3+ hours early)
- • Paid Seating: Hotel balconies and stands ($50-200)
- • VIP Experience: Premium locations with refreshments
- • Photography Passes: Special access for professionals
Essential Tips
- • Arrive Early: 2-3 hours before procession starts
- • Bring Water & Snacks: Long wait times expected
- • Wear Comfortable Shoes: Lots of standing and walking
- • Respect Sacred Elements: Stand when casket passes
- • Be Patient: Crowds are large but friendly
Accommodation
- • Book 6+ Months Ahead: Hotels fill up completely
- • Premium Properties: Queen's Hotel, Hotel Suisse
- • Budget Options: Guesthouses outside city center
- • Alternative: Day trips from Colombo or other cities
Discover detailed history, cultural significance, participant profiles, and insider tips for experiencing this magnificent festival
Planning Your Sacred Journey
Dress Code & Behavior
Required Attire:
Conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees. White clothing is preferred and shows respect. Remove shoes and hats before entering.
Respectful Behavior:
Maintain silence in sacred areas, don't point feet toward Buddha statues, join hands in prayer position when appropriate.
Photography Rules:
Photography prohibited in inner shrine rooms. Allowed in courtyards and museum areas with respect for other devotees.
Best Times to Visit
Morning Puja (5:30-6:30 AM): Most sacred ceremony, fewer crowds
Evening Puja (6:30-7:30 PM): Beautiful atmosphere with oil lamps
Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends and holidays
Esala Season (August): Festival time but very crowded
Full Moon Days: Special significance but expect large crowds
What to Bring
Offerings: Lotus flowers, jasmine, or white flowers
Footwear: Easy-to-remove shoes or sandals
Clothing: Extra covering if needed
Respect: Open mind and heart for spiritual experience
Transportation
From Colombo: 3-hour drive or train journey to Kandy
Local Transport: Walking distance from Kandy city center
Parking: Limited; use public transport when possible
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible areas available
Nearby Attractions
Kandy Lake:
Beautiful lake for peaceful walks, just beside the temple
Royal Botanical Gardens:
World-famous gardens 15 minutes from temple
Kandy Cultural Center:
Traditional dance performances every evening
Accommodation
Luxury Hotels: Several 5-star options overlooking the lake
Boutique Hotels: Colonial-era properties with character
Budget Options: Guesthouses and hostels in city center
Booking Tip: Reserve early during Perahera season
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic offers more than just a tourist experience - it provides a profound spiritual journey into the heart of Buddhist devotion and Sri Lankan culture. Whether you come as a pilgrim seeking spiritual enlightenment or as a traveler interested in cultural heritage, this sacred temple will touch your soul and provide memories that last a lifetime.
From the golden shrine housing Buddha's sacred relic to the moving tribute to Raja and other sacred elephants, from the magnificent Esala Perahera festival to the daily rituals that have continued unchanged for centuries, every aspect of your visit will deepen your understanding of Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture.
Discover the sacred majesty of the Temple of the Tooth! 🏛️👑🙏✨
Where ancient devotion meets timeless beauty in the heart of Kandy