How To Experience the Best Of The Sacred Temple of the Tooth

Sri Lanka is an island which to many is almost a magical oasis. The bio-diverse environs mean you go from chilling on a beach to warming by a fireplace in a matter of 4 hours. Couple that with the exotic and mouth-watering cuisine which is equalled by the allure of ancient traditions and a culture old as time. Exploring traditional places like Kandy, the hill capital, is a treat. This article looks at Kandy's most treasured gem and how to experience the best of the temple of the sacred tooth.

1. The Hill Capital Of Sri Lanka – Kandy

Kandy was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. A culturally rich city, framed by blue mountains and silvery waterfalls. The islands longest river, the Mahaweli, makes its way across the city which is one of the most fascinating to explore since the areas main attractions are located right smack in the middle of it. The Sri Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located within part of the former royal palace. 'Maligawa' meaning palace and 'Dalada' meaning tooth.

There, within temples, innermost shrines, encapsulated within a golden casket is a tooth relic of the Buddha. Legend dictates that whoever possessed the sacred relic would rule the island. Thus, the sacred tooth remained in the custody of Sri Lanka's ancient kings, before ending up as the nations most revered artefact, protected within the confines of the elegant shrine.

The Dalada Maligawa sits in the middle of the Kandy city, overlooking the Kandy Lake. Another historical site, the lake built by an ancient king is deemed sacred. Travel to Kandy and you will experience not only the ancient culture of Sri Lanka's proud up-country heritage, but you get to connect with nature, experience traditional dance forms and explore verdant tea plantations. There's more to do in Kandy of course, which you will discover on informative sites like Kandy Escapes. Now, here's more information on how to experience the mystical Sri Dalada Maligawa.

2. Exploring The Complex

The royal palace the temple is housed in was built by Sri Lanka's kings from 1687 to 1707. And over time most of the original structure was damaged during the colonial wars which took place between the invading Portuguese, Dutch and English colonists. During the reconstruction, the wooden edifices were replaced with sturdy stone structures. The temple again came under attack during the country's civil war but recovered and stands proud and strong for all to admire. The simple yet striking white structure with its red rooftops is now a much-loved, iconic attraction in Kandy town.

3. The Interiors Of The Dalada Maligawa

While the exterior of the temple remains modest, the interior is elegant and elaborately decorated. The insides of the shrine are made up of ornate wooden carvings, well-lacquered with gold edgings and ivory carvings. You will first enter to the ground floor of the complex called pallemaluwa. This is an inner sanctum, elaborately decorated, where daily religious rituals are observed.

Jorge Láscar from Australia, Damaged murals from bombing - The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Kandy) (5479223488), CC BY 2.0

4. The Inner-Inner Chamber – The Octagon

The inner chamber of the temple, the Octagon or pattiruppuwa, constructed by the last king of Sri Lanka as a place to address his citizens, belonged to the royal palace. It has now been made part of the Dalada Maligawa serving as a library housing ancient text. Along the silent corridors are little shrines at which devotees offer flowers and a silent prayer. Tourists too are welcomed to observe what takes place within the temple. There you will come across many offerings of flowers, lotus blossoms and other pure white blooms presented to the sacred relic enshrined within the temple.

5. The Dalada Esala Perahera

The most festive time to visit the city of Kandy is during the Esala Festival which takes place towards the end of July and early August. The festivities are highlighted by many religious observances taking place at the temple and the colourful procession known as the Esala Perahera. This three-day procession includes elegantly clad aristocrats from the hill country, traditional dancers, fire breathers, drummers and the main attraction the elegantly clad elephant processions. The King amongst them is the temples magnificent tusker, who bears upon his back the sacred tooth relic in a golden gem-studded cradle.