The Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth, is one of the most sacred and important Buddhist shrines in the world. It is located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka and is considered the repository of the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha. The temple is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the seven World Heritage Sites in the country.
The history of the Temple of the Tooth dates back to the 4th century when King Kirthi Sri Meghavarna of Sri Lanka brought the tooth relic from India and enshrined it in a two-storey building in the city of Anuradhapura. Over the centuries, the tooth relic was transferred from one kingdom to another, until it finally found its permanent home in Kandy during the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya II. It was during this time that the present Temple of the Tooth was built to house the tooth relic.
The temple complex covers an area of approximately 1.5 hectares and is comprised of several buildings and structures, including the main shrine, the assembly hall, the Palace of the Tooth Relic, and the moat that surrounds the complex. The main shrine of the Temple of the Tooth is a two-storey building that is adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments. The entrance to the main shrine is guarded by two elephants made of solid gold, and the door is studded with precious gems.
The inner sanctum of the main shrine houses the tooth relic, which is housed in seven golden caskets, one inside the other. The caskets are adorned with precious gems and are said to weigh several hundred kilograms. The tooth relic is not on public display, but it is taken out once a year during the Esala Perahera, a grand procession that is held in Kandy to honor the tooth relic.
The Temple of the Tooth is also renowned for its elaborate murals and paintings, which depict scenes from the life of the Lord Buddha and the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. These murals and paintings are considered some of the finest examples of traditional Sri Lankan art and are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the island.
In addition to its religious significance, the Temple of the Tooth is also a major tourist attraction in Kandy. The temple complex is surrounded by a moat and is accessed by a bridge that spans the moat. Visitors to the temple can admire the intricate carvings and embellishments on the buildings and structures, as well as the beautiful gardens that surround the complex.
The Temple of the Tooth is a symbol of the deep reverence and devotion that Sri Lankans have for the Lord Buddha and his teachings. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world and is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in Sri Lanka. The temple is an example of the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and is a testament to the island's long and fascinating history.
In conclusion, the Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Tooth, is a sacred and historic Buddhist shrine that is revered by Buddhists all over the world. It is a symbol of the deep spiritual connection that Sri Lankans have with the Lord Buddha and his teachings, and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the island. Whether you are a devout Buddhist or simply a lover of history and culture, the Temple of the Tooth is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.
