The Temple of the Tooth or the “Dalada Maligawa” is the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Here, one of the Lord Buddhas’ sacred tooth relics (left canine) is kept at royal palace complex in Kandy .The temple was built in the 17th century near the shore of Kandy lake.
The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day .It can reached by a draw-bridge over the moat and a magnificently painted frontispiece. A passageway called ‘Ambarawa’, directs to the main shrine complex, which has a central courtyard. On the upper floor Buddhas’ tooth relic is enclosed in seven golden caskets in the shape of dagobas. Visitors and devotees assemble in the two-storied open pillared hall. The lower hall has assigned for traditional hevisi music performed during ritual service hours.
The Pallemale Vihara constructed by king Kirthi Sri Rajasinha and the Octagon (Patthirippuva) built by the last king, Sri Vikrama Rajasinha .The Patthirippuwa is famous for its’ Sinhalese style architecture and it is the most dominant feature of the building.It was used by the king to address the public on important occasions.The small stupa contains the Bowl Relic of the Buddha. The storied structures to the right and left of the shrine, constitute the conference hall, the Library , the Office of the Diyawadana Nilame and the residence quarters of the monks affianced in daily rituals called Thevava. A golden canopy has been added recently.
Daily rituals are performed three times a day-at 4.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. respectively. Symbolic bathing of the Sacred Relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and flagrant flowers, called Nanumura Mangallaya and this is done on every Wednesdays. This holy water is given to those present and is believed to have healing powers.
The tooth was brought by a princess from Kalinga Desha , 1600 years ago.There are three guardians of the Tooth Relic. Two are chief incumbents of Asgiriyia Maha Viharaya and Malwathu Maha Vihara and the other is Diyavadana Nilame.Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics, because it is believed that whoever holds the relic, holds the governance of the country.
