Kandy Temple

Sacred Tooth Relic of Kandy Temple

Introduction

Cultural heritage of the Kandy city emerged from the mist-covered hills in the Central Province. The ancient city stands as a testament to the island's rich culture because of the Buddhism and the Sacred tooth relic housed in the Kandy Temple.

The Significance of the Sacred Tooth Relic:

The Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the teeth of Gautama Buddha protected by the Monks and security in the Kandy Temple. The relic is immersed  in a Gold 'Karaduwa' which is a special container casted in gold placed in a protected cubical near the Buddha Statue where people worship daily to get merits. Previous Kings were given the blessing of the Relic by placing the Karaduwa on their head to rule the country justly or according to the fair rule of law. Immense with the spiritual significance for Buddhists around the world this is one of the best, iconic places in the country. Many Diplomats around the world, do not forget to visit the Kandy temple and get Special Blessings while they are in Sri Lanka. Its presence in Kandy is a source of pride and reverence for the Sri Lankan people, who consider it a symbol of their cultural identity and spiritual heritage. Soon after the Presidential/General Elections,  elected VIPs go there to get the blessings from the Head Monks after worshipping the sacred Relic.

The Journey of Sacred Tooth Relic

Journey to Sri Lanka Over the centuries, the Sacred Tooth Relic found its way to Sri Lanka through a series of miraculous journeys and divine interventions. It is said to have been smuggled into the island concealed in the hair of a princess, where it eventually came to be enshrined in the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

Arrival in Kandy Following a tumultuous period of political upheaval and foreign invasions, the Sacred Tooth Relic was eventually brought to its current resting place in Kandy. The city's strategic location and natural defences made it an ideal sanctuary for the relic, ensuring its safety and preservation for future generations.

Role in Sri Lankan Monarchy, throughout history, the possession of the Sacred Tooth Relic conferred legitimacy and divine authority upon the ruling monarchs of Sri Lanka. Kings would often commission elaborate rituals and ceremonies to honour the relic, seeking its blessings for prosperity and protection.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Location and Architecture: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is situated in the heart of Kandy atop a scenic hillside. Its distinctive architecture blends traditional Sinhalese and South Indian styles, reflecting the cultural diversity of Sri Lanka.

The layout of the Temple Complex: the temple complex comprises several buildings and shrines, each housing precious artefacts and relics associated with Buddhism. The main shrine, or "Vadahitina Maligawa," is where the Sacred Tooth Relic is enshrined and venerated by pilgrims and devotees.

Cultural and Religious Significance.

As the holiest site in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or commonly called by Kandy Temple attracts thousands of visitors each year, drawn by its spiritual aura and the historical importance. It serves as a centre of Buddhist worship and pilgrimage, Similar to the sacred Stupa at Anuradhapura, offering solace and guidance to those seeking enlightenment and inner peace.

Preservation and Rituals.

Preservation Techniques: the preservation of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a meticulous process overseen by a team of custodians and experts. Specialized techniques such as temperature control, humidity regulation, and regular inspections are employed to ensure the relic remains intact and protected from decay.

Daily Rituals and Offerings:

Every day, the temple's resident monks perform a series of rituals and ceremonies to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic. These rituals, known as "Pujas," involve the offering.

Every year the tooth relic is shown with the historical Esala Perahera guided by the Elephants led by Maligwa Tusker to carry the Tooth Relic to symbolise the serenity and the pride of the 175 years of uninterrupted Perahera history, where Sri Lankan culture enlightens the spiritual significance among the meritorious Buddhist Devotees.

History of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Origins of the Relic. The story of the Sacred Tooth Relic dates back over two millennia to the time of Lord Buddha's cremation. According to legend, one of Buddha's disciples retrieved a tooth from the funeral pyre and witnessed it to be a sacred relic imbued with the Buddha's spiritual power.