Dalada Maligawa (Kandy)

One of the most sacred places of the Buddhists is the Dalada Maligawa situated in Kandy in the Central Province, where the “Sacred Tooth Relic Temple” is located. During the reign of King Kitsiri Mevan the Tooth Relic was brought to Ceylon from Kalinga by Princess Hemamali and Prince Danta. The Tooth Relic was considered the symbol of kingship and became the most sacred object of worship in the Island.

Kind Vimaladharmasuriya built the Tooth Relic temple which was renovated by his son Veera Parakrama Narendrasingha and Kirti Sri Rajasinghe respectively. King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe built the Pattirippuwa or the Octagonal shaped building. A new temple was constructed to enclose the ancient temple without changing its architecture. The Tooth Relic is placed in the old shrine.

Rituals are conducted daily in the temple to venerate the Relic, accompanied by flute playing and drumming. Public honour is paid to it when the Esala Perahera is held in July/August each year.

- Extract from “Footprints of Our Heritage” published by Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO -