The Temple of the Tooth or ”The Sri Dalada Maligawa” is one of Sri Lanka’s star attractions. Dating back to 1595 it holds within its confines, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha.
History
The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in the year 313 AD, concealed in the hair of Princess Hemamala, upon its retrieval from his funeral pyre after cremation. Over the centuries, the relic was in the possession of subsequent kings and moved around the county as the capitals changed. The Relic finally arrived in Kandy during King Vimaladhamrsuriya’s reign and now is only brought out during special occasions.
Things to See
Things to see while here are aplenty, the temple itself is a work of art and is worth a closer look. The complex is also made up of museums and key sites such as the ”Magul Maduwa”, the audience hall in which the last king of Sri Lanka, held court.
How to Get There
The temple is located in the heart of Kandy City and can easily be accessed by nearby Kandy hotels including the likes of Mahaweli Reach Hotel. Upon arrival, visitors are required to leave their footwear and belongings at a security counter and pass through a checkpoint before entering the premises.
Tips to Keep in Mind
Tips to keep in mind include dressing modestly, covering one’s shoulders and legs and also carrying plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travelers. Google+
