Considered the most important temple for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can be found in the island’s hill capital, Kandy which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How do you get there
The temple is part of a historic royal complex that can be found near the Kandy Lake which the city is centred around. It is in a central location and just a short drive away from accommodation options like Mahaweli Reach Hotel.
The temple’s importance
Known as the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’, the temple takes pride of place amongst Kandy attractions since it houses a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It has become a key religious site for the island’s majority Buddhist population who are drawn here to pay respect to this venerated object.
The beginnings
The temple and palace compound has seen much change over the centuries. Initially, a temple was built here during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I (16th to 17th century) followed by a new temple being subsequently constructed by King Rajasinha II. The current temple was largely built by King Vira Narendra Sinha during the 18th century, while additions were made by Sri Lanka’s last monarch, King Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.
Historic festival
Every year during July / August, a special festival takes place centred around the sacred tooth relic housed within the temple. Known as the Esala Perahera, this colourful parade features elaborately dressed elephants and all manner of traditional dancers and performers.
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+