Temple of the sacred tooth relic / Sri Dalada Maligawa



The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place of worship established in the 16th century AD. Situated adjacent to the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine overlooks the vast expanse of the Kandy Lake.

The Sacred city of Kandy is the final location of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Gautama Buddha. The Sacred relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala & Prince Dantha from the city of Kalinga in ancient India, during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna (Kithsirimevan 301 -328). Now the tooth is housed in a dedicated temple inside the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. Worshipers can visit the relic, which is held in a golden stupa inside the two-story shrine. The relic is encased in seven golden caskets which are engraved and inlaid with precious gemstones.

The temple of Sacred Tooth is considered quite important since this temple holds the relic of the real tooth of the Lord Buddha. Sri Dalada Maligawa is believed to hold the left upper canine tooth of Lord Buddha. Their for many of local Buddhist religious visit for worships. And special and most famous day of Esala poya day because of Esala  perahara.


Kandy Esala Perahera



Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Kandy Festival of the Tooth, is a traditional festival celebrated annually in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The festival usually takes place in the month of July or August and lasts for ten days.


The festival is a religious and cultural celebration that honors the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is kept in the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The festival features a grand parade, or perahera, of ornately decorated elephants, dancers, drummers, and other performers. The highlight of the parade is the beautifully adorned casket, or karanduwa, which carries the sacred tooth relic.


The Kandy Esala Perahera is considered one of the most spectacular cultural events in Sri Lanka, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world. It is also an important religious event for Buddhists, who believe that participating in the festival brings blessings and merit.


The origins of the Kandy Esala Perahera can be traced back to the 4th century BC, when the tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India. The festival has evolved over time, incorporating elements of both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, and has become a symbol of Sri Lankan culture and identity.

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Province and their attraction

So Nature-Natural beauty of Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya Tourists Attractions

Attraction in Sri Lanka - Sri Padaya / Adam's Peak

Attraction in Sri Lanka - Anuradhapura