Sri Dalada Maligawa (The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic)

 

Location:

Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is located in the city of Kandy, in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Kandy is approximately 115 kilometers northeast of Colombo, and the temple lies at the heart of the city, beside the beautiful Kandy Lake. The coordinates for the temple are 7.2926° N latitude and 80.6330° E longitude.

Historical and Religious Significance:
Sri Dalada Maligawa is one of the most significant religious sites in Sri Lanka, as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. The relic is believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD. Since then, the relic has been a symbol of royal authority and has played an essential role in the island's religious and political history.

The temple is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural symbol, representing the spiritual and political unity of the country. The presence of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka has been historically associated with the legitimacy of the reigning monarch, and it was traditionally kept within royal palaces to signify the ruler's divine right to govern.

The Sacred Tooth Relic:
The Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most revered Buddhist relics in the world. According to legend, after Lord Buddha's cremation in 543 BC, his tooth was preserved and later taken to India, then to Sri Lanka. The relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala and her husband Prince Danta during the 4th century AD, and it was placed in the kingdom of Anuradhapura.

Over the centuries, the Tooth Relic has traveled across various kingdoms of Sri Lanka, eventually being housed in Kandy, where it remains to this day. The relic is enshrined in the Golden Casket, which is kept in a specially designed chamber within the temple.

Architectural Features of Sri Dalada Maligawa:

1. The Main Shrine (Vahalkada):
   The entrance to the temple is marked by a grand gateway known as the Vahalkada. The temple complex is beautifully designed with traditional Kandyan architecture, with intricate woodwork and carvings.

2. The Temple Complex:
   The temple is part of a larger complex that includes the Sri Dalada Museum, the Royal Palace of Kandy, and several pavilions and gardens. These buildings reflect the grandeur of the Kandyan period, with their elegant designs and detailed craftsmanship.

3. The Tooth Relic Chamber:
   The inner sanctum of the temple houses the Sacred Tooth Relic. The relic is displayed in a series of containers, with the outermost being the Golden Casket. Only high-ranking monks and the Chief Incumbent of the temple have access to the chamber.

4. Palle Vihara (Small Temple):
   A smaller temple located within the complex that serves as a place of prayer and meditation.

Religious and Cultural Importance:

1. The Perahera:
   One of the most important events in Sri Lanka is the Kandy Esala Perahera (also called the Festival of the Tooth). This annual procession, usually held in July or August, honors the Sacred Tooth Relic. The event features colorful parades with decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, fire-breathers, and religious ceremonies. It is one of the largest and most significant religious festivals in Sri Lanka, attracting visitors from around the world.

2. The Role of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lankan History:
   Throughout Sri Lankan history, the possession of the Tooth Relic has been linked to political power. It was believed that whoever controlled the relic would hold the right to rule the country. As a result, various rulers have protected, guarded, and fought wars over the relic. The British colonial rulers also took great interest in the Tooth Relic, which is part of the island's colonial history.

3. A Place of Pilgrimage:
   Sri Dalada Maligawa is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists, both in Sri Lanka and abroad. Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily to offer prayers and seek blessings, especially during the annual perahera.

Visiting Sri Dalada Maligawa:
The temple is open to visitors year-round, with the most popular times being during the Kandy Perahera or other Buddhist festivals. Visitors can attend the daily puja (worship) ceremonies, where offerings are made to the Tooth Relic. These ceremonies typically take place in the early morning and evening.

When visiting, tourists are required to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and legs. Photography inside the temple complex is not allowed in certain areas, particularly near the Tooth Relic chamber.

Conclusion:
Sri Dalada Maligawa is not just a religious site; it is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical identity. As the repository of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it holds a deep connection to the island’s Buddhist heritage and the legacy of its ancient kingdoms. Whether you are a pilgrim, a historian, or a tourist, a visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich spiritual and cultural traditions.