Description of the attraction
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), built in the 17th century, is located in the city of Kandy, which for a long time was rightfully the center of Buddhism. It is believed that the upper left canine of the Buddha is located there. This precious relic attracts pilgrims in white robes carrying lotus and jasmine flowers every day.
According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha while he was lying on a funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD in the hair of Princess Hemamali, who was fleeing the Hindu army that was besieging her father's kingdom in India. The tooth immediately became an object of worship and veneration, it began to be considered one of the precious relics. It was taken out only for special occasions and carried on the backs of elephants, which are sacred animals. Countless attempts have been made to capture and destroy the tooth.
When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was brought there; he was placed in a temple built in his honor. The temple was built by the rulers of Kandy between 1687 and 1707, but then suffered greatly during the colonial wars against the Portuguese and Dutch in the 18th century. After the war, the original wooden buildings were rebuilt in stone. In January 1998, Hindu-Tamil separatists blew up the temple, damaging its facade and roof. Recovery began immediately thereafter.
Temple buildings do not look gorgeous or ornate. White with red roofs, they cluster around Lake Kandy. A striking contrast to the simple appearance is the interior of the temple, richly decorated with carvings and inlays of wood, ivory, and lacquer.
Around the entire complex is a low white stone wall, with exquisitely carved holes in it. During the celebrations, candles are inserted there, illuminating the entire temple. The tooth is in a two-story sacred vault. The relic lies on a golden lotus flower, enclosed in a precious box lying on a throne.
A tower, built in 1803 and originally a prison, was also added to the temple. It currently houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. The king's palace was also attached to the temple.
