Overview
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most revered Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and one of the most significant religious sites in Asia. Situated within the Royal Palace Complex of the last Kingdom of Kandy, the temple houses the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, a treasured symbol of Buddhist faith and Sri Lankan sovereignty for centuries.
Located beside the tranquil Kandy Lake and surrounded by forest-covered hills, the temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors every day. It is not only a place of worship but also a monument deeply connected to the history, culture and identity of Sri Lanka.
According to ancient chronicles, the sacred tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th century AD by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha, who concealed the relic in the princess’s hair to protect it from political unrest. Since then, the relic became a symbol of royal authority. It was believed that whoever possessed the relic held the legitimate right to rule the island.
Over the centuries, the relic was housed in several royal capitals including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa and Kotte before finally arriving in Kandy during the Kandyan Kingdom. The temple that stands today was built within the royal palace complex by the Kandyan kings and continues to serve as the most important Buddhist shrine in the country.
The architecture of the temple reflects traditional Kandyan craftsmanship and artistic excellence. Visitors enter through beautifully decorated gateways and pass through elegant courtyards, wooden pillars, carved doors and richly painted ceilings before reaching the sacred inner chambers.
Although the actual relic is not displayed to the public, visitors can view the golden casket that houses it during daily worship ceremonies known as Thevava. These ceremonies are accompanied by traditional drumming, conch shell blowing and religious offerings, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
The temple complex contains several significant buildings and museums including:
Royal Palace Complex
Former residence of the Kandyan Kings, showcasing the political and cultural history of the kingdom.
Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa)
An elegant wooden structure used by Kandyan monarchs for official ceremonies and state functions.
International Buddhist Museum
Displays Buddhist heritage from numerous countries including Thailand, China, Myanmar, Japan and Korea.
Temple Museum
Contains historical artefacts, manuscripts, ceremonial objects and exhibits relating to the sacred relic.
Pattirippuwa (Octagonal Pavilion)
One of Kandy’s most recognisable landmarks overlooking Kandy Lake.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is also the focal point of the world-famous Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Asia’s grandest cultural festivals. Held annually between July and August, the festival features magnificent processions of traditional dancers, drummers, fire performers and elaborately decorated elephants carrying a replica of the sacred relic casket through the streets of Kandy.
Recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage City of Kandy, the temple remains a powerful symbol of faith, unity and cultural continuity. Whether visiting as a pilgrim, history enthusiast or cultural traveller, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic offers an unforgettable glimpse into Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage.
