Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
EasternBuddhisttempleSouth Asia1595 CE - 1815 CE
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Location
Modern Name
Kandy
Country
Sri Lanka
Region
South Asia
Coordinates
7.2906, 80.6337
Era
1595 CE - 1815 CE
Site Type
Temple
About
Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) enshrines the left canine tooth of the Buddha, the most venerated relic in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Significance
Possession of the tooth relic historically conferred political legitimacy on Sri Lankan kings; it remains the center of the annual Esala Perahera procession, one of Asia's grandest festivals.
History & Historical Arc
The relic arrived in Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE; the current temple complex was built by the Kandyan kings (17th–18…
Archaeological Notes
The octagonal tower (Patthirippuwa) added in the early 19th century houses a library of Kandyan manuscripts; the inner s…
Key Features & Structures
- Relic Chamber (Vadahitina Maligawa)
- Octagonal Patthirippuwa tower
Visitor Information
Open daily; relic chamber viewings at dawn, midday, and dusk puja. The Esala Perahera festival runs 10 days in July/Augu…
Related Figures
King Wimaladharmasuriya IPrincess Hemamali (relic carrier)King Kirti Sri Rajasinha
In the Bible
Source References
- UNESCO World Heritage List #450
- Culavamsa (Sri Lankan chronicle)