TL;DR:
The Temple of the Tooth Kandy is Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site, housing Lord Buddha’s tooth relic. This stunning temple offers visitors incredible architecture, daily rituals, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a pilgrim or tourist, this UNESCO World Heritage site promises an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Why Visit the Temple of the Tooth?
The Temple of the Tooth Kandy, known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, sits in the heart of Kandy city. This isn’t just any temple. It houses the most sacred Buddhist relic in Sri Lanka: a tooth of Lord Buddha himself. For over 1,600 years, this precious relic has been the spiritual heart of the island.
What makes this place special? It’s where spirituality meets history. Ancient kings believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic had the right to rule Sri Lanka. Today, millions of Buddhists consider it their most important pilgrimage site.
The Story Behind the Sacred Relic
Legend tells us that Buddha’s tooth was saved from his funeral pyre in 543 BCE. For centuries, it stayed safely in India until the 4th century CE, when Princess Hemamali smuggled it to Sri Lanka hidden in her hair. Why the dramatic escape? She was fleeing religious persecution in her homeland.
Since arriving in Sri Lanka, this tiny relic has survived wars, invasions, and even Portuguese attempts to destroy it. Each time, devoted guardians risked their lives to protect it. The current temple was built in the early 1700s, though the site has been continuously improved over the centuries.
What You’ll See at the Temple
The Sacred Relic Chamber
Here’s where the magic happens. While you can’t see the actual tooth (it’s protected inside seven golden caskets), you can witness the incredible devotion of pilgrims. People travel from across the world to offer lotus flowers, light oil lamps, and pray in this sacred space. The atmosphere is deeply moving with soft chanting, gentle incense, and pure faith filling the air.
Stunning Architecture
This temple showcases traditional Kandyan architecture at its finest. Picture intricate wooden carvings, gleaming golden roofs, and beautifully decorated doors. The white walls contrast beautifully with red tiles and golden spires. Every corner tells a story through detailed stone carvings and ceiling paintings.
The New Palace (Aluth Maligawa)
Built in the 1950s, this section houses fascinating artifacts and paintings that tell the temple’s story. You’ll see ancient manuscripts, historical artwork, and learn how the tooth relic arrived in Sri Lanka. The nearby Audience Hall, with its impressive wooden pillars, once hosted royal ceremonies and still amazes visitors with its perfect acoustics.
The Esala Perahera Festival
Visit in July or August, and you’re in for a treat. This 10 night festival transforms Kandy into a spectacular celebration. Picture this: dozens of decorated elephants parading through the streets, traditional dancers spinning fire, drummers creating thunderous rhythms, and thousands of devotees celebrating together. The main elephant carries a replica of the sacred relic, creating one of Asia’s most breathtaking religious festivals.
Temple Museum
Want to dig deeper? The museum explains everything about the tooth relic’s incredible journey and the temple’s evolution. You’ll see ancient palm leaf books, ceremonial objects, and detailed models showing how the temple developed over time. Interactive displays help you understand the meaning behind various rituals and architectural features.
Experience the Daily Rhythms
Three times daily, the temple comes alive with ancient ceremonies. At dawn (5:30 AM), noon (9:30 AM), and evening (6:30 PM), monks open the inner chamber for the Thewava ceremony. Traditional drums echo through the halls as offerings are made to the sacred relic.
These moments reveal the temple’s true spirit. You’ll see elderly pilgrims prostrating in prayer, families teaching children about their heritage, and visitors from every corner of the world united in respect and wonder.
Essential Visiting Tips
What to Wear: Cover your shoulders and knees. White clothing is especially welcomed as it represents purity. You can rent sarongs at the entrance if needed.
Best Times to Visit:
- Early morning for peaceful crowds and cooler weather
- During puja ceremonies (5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 6:30 PM) for the full spiritual experience
- July-August for the Esala Perahera (book hotels early!)
Temple Etiquette:
- Remove shoes and hats before entering
- No photos in the main shrine room
- Keep voices low in sacred areas
- Follow the crowd flow to avoid disrupting prayers
Getting There: The temple sits in central Kandy, walking distance from the bus and train stations. Limited parking is available, so arrive early if driving.
Practical Info:
- Open daily 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entrance fee for foreign visitors
- Audio guides available in multiple languages
- Wheelchair accessible with ramps and facilities
Planning Your Visit
How Long to Stay: Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore the temple complex, museum, and grounds. If you’re attending a puja ceremony, add extra time for crowds.
Combine with Other Attractions: The temple is near Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and traditional craft workshops. Many visitors spend a full day exploring Kandy’s cultural treasures.
Photography: While you can’t photograph inside the main shrine, the temple’s exterior architecture and grounds offer plenty of stunning photo opportunities.
Why This Temple Matters Today
The Temple of the Tooth isn’t frozen in time. It’s a living, breathing center of faith that continues to shape Sri Lankan culture. Every day, thousands of people find peace, inspiration, and connection within its walls.
For visitors, regardless of faith, the temple offers something profound. Maybe it’s the incredible devotion you witness, the stunning craftsmanship that took centuries to perfect, or simply the peaceful atmosphere that makes you slow down and reflect.
Ready to Visit the Temple of the Tooth?
The Temple of the Tooth Kandy promises more than sightseeing. It offers a genuine cultural immersion. You’ll witness faith in action, admire centuries old artistry, and experience the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
Whether you’re drawn by curiosity, spirituality, or cultural interest, this sacred site will leave a lasting impression. The combination of history, architecture, daily rituals, and genuine devotion creates an experience that touches visitors long after they leave.
Plan your visit to this remarkable Temple of the Tooth Sri Lanka and discover why millions consider it one of the world’s most important Buddhist sites. Your journey into Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage starts here.
