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KANDY - SRI DALADA MALIGAWA

KANDY - SRI DALADA MALIGAWA

The Tooth Relic Temple, also known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most sacred and significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Located in the picturesque city of Kandy, the temple houses the sacred relic of the tooth of Lord Buddha, making it a place of great reverence and historical importance for Buddhists around the world. This majestic temple and its religious significance have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The origins of the Tooth Relic Temple date back to the 4th century BCE when a tooth relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India. The relic was believed to be one of the Buddha's teeth, saved from his funeral pyre. Sri Lanka's ancient kings vied for possession of this sacred relic as it was believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic had the divine right to rule the island.

The original construction of the Temple of the Tooth can be attributed to King Vimaladharmasuriya I, a prominent ruler of the Kandyan kingdom who reigned from 1592 to 1604 AD. King Vimaladharmasuriya I understood the religious and political significance of possessing the sacred tooth relic, and he wanted to establish a grand and secure temple to house the revered relic. The construction of the temple was completed in the early 17th century.

The Tooth Relic Temple is a fine example of traditional Sri Lankan architecture and craftsmanship. The temple complex comprises several buildings, each with its unique design and significance. The entrance to the temple is adorned with a grand stone staircase and beautifully carved wooden doors, setting the tone for the spiritual experience that awaits visitors.

Once inside, visitors will encounter the main shrine, known as the "Vahalé," which houses the golden casket containing the tooth relic. This inner chamber is an exquisite display of intricate wood carvings, decorative paintings, and shimmering golden embellishments.

The Temple of the Tooth is not only a place of worship but also a center for religious and cultural festivities. Every day, the temple conducts several religious rituals and offerings to honor the sacred relic. Visitors can witness these ceremonies, which involve drummers, dancers, and traditional musicians, creating a vibrant and captivating atmosphere.

One of the most celebrated festivals at the temple is the Esala Perahera, also known as the Kandy Perahera. This grand annual procession takes place during the month of Esala (July/August) and lasts for several nights. The sacred tooth relic is paraded through the streets of Kandy on the back of a lavishly decorated elephant, accompanied by dancers, drummers, fire performers, and a colorful array of traditional performers. The Esala Perahera attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world, making it a mesmerizing spectacle of culture and faith.

The Temple of the Tooth holds immense cultural significance for the people of Sri Lanka. It not only represents a major center of Buddhist spirituality but also serves as a symbol of national pride and unity. The temple plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and traditions.

The Tooth Relic Temple is open to visitors throughout the year, but it is essential to dress modestly and respectfully when entering the temple premises. It is customary to remove shoes and hats before entering the main shrine. Visitors are also required to maintain a peaceful and reverent demeanor while inside the temple.

Regarding the tooth relic itself, the contents of the casket at the Temple of the Tooth, believed to house the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, are not visible to the public or ordinary visitors. The tooth relic is kept within multiple caskets, nested within each other. Only the custodians and high-ranking Buddhist monks responsible for the temple's administration have access to the innermost casket that contains the actual tooth relic.

The secrecy surrounding the tooth relic is due to its immense religious and cultural significance, and it is believed that the relic possesses great spiritual power. Protecting and preserving the relic is of paramount importance, and access to it is strictly controlled to maintain its sanctity and reverence within the Buddhist tradition.

In conclusion, the Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the country's rich religious and cultural history. It continues to be a cherished site of pilgrimage for Buddhists and a captivating destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the spiritual essence of this beautiful island nation. Visitors can partake in daily ceremonies and witness the grandeur of the temple while respecting the sacredness and privacy of the tooth relic housed within.

 


Feedback from valuable clients + See all

    "Thanks a lot for making great arrangements for the visit. The visit was very well organized with good hotels and the vehicle/ driver. I would highly recommend your agency and its services to everyone who wants to visit Sri Lanka. Anastasia - Russia, Feb 2011 " Anastasia

    "Dear Cyril, Yes that's the one that we were calling all the time. Her name is Celia and by now she has a little sister. My dear Cyril, of course we can't forget your companion and we are always telling about you when we are talking about our trip to Sri Lanka. I wish you good luck with your company and I hope that you will have whatever you want. I want to tell also that I was very happy when I learned that you are a grandfather now. Best regards, Chris Greece 26/07/2011" Cristos Pravitas - Greece

    "Cyril was absolutly Fantastic,Veryhelpful, Patient and extremly knowledgable. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend and travel with him again. Whole tour was well organized and perfectly done. Kate Williams and family from UK 04th January 2015" Kate Williams UK

    "We came for a wedding and then embarked on an amazing holiday. Cyril show us magnificent sights and scenery of Sri Lanka. To do the country just we need to return with more time. Many of the sites we visited just made us want to know more about them, even though Cyril was a fountain of knowledge. We have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Cyril and his excellent company, and it was so nice to go home a guardian angel looking after us. He is consistently courteous & good humored and now fe..." Andy Powell UK

    "I want to thank Mr. Cyril for this 17 days long tour. He is an excellent chauffeur guide, always on time with a car more than the clean. He knows all the places in the Island and organized very well. Most of all, he is very kind person, always with a smile and ready to help. I want to reccommond him to all my friends. Ria Deleu Belgium Travel period 25 Jan 2020 - 10 Feb 2020 ( 17 days)" Mrs. Ria Deleu from Belgium

    "Excellent tour guide Cyril is a great tour guide and is very knowledgeable. He made our entire trip super comfortable. His vehicles are clean and well maintained. He is also very flexible if changes are needed. Definitely recommend!" Berenice Coelho

    "Thank you Cyril for making our Christmas holiday fun so smoothly and easy. We loved Sri Lanka and look forward to retuning again. Cyril, your knowledge and service was outstanding and it was so refreshing to have such a very highlevel of service. We will be sure to recomond your service and travel agency to our friends. Please feel free to use us as a reference, you can use my email or phone number to clients." Bruce Larson & family from USA

    "We had excellent  8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia

    "(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey

    "Thank you so much for your great service and making our honeymoon in Sri Lanka, so special and joyful. Best regards from Yuffa and Elad Abbo – Israel- 10 July 2008 " Yuffa and Elad Abbo - Israel

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