The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy houses what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha himself. For local people, this temple isn’t just a religious site – it’s a symbol of faith, history, and deep-rooted tradition filled with legend and spirituality.
Participating in the Ceremony of the Tooth in this temple is an experience you can’t miss when traveling to Sri Lanka! In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know before visiting plus some cool facts about the tooth that once held the power of politics of the whole country.
A Glimpse Into the Past
The history of this temple is as fascinating as it is long. After the Buddha’s cremation in India, his tooth was retrieved from the funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in the 4th century by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha, and hidden in the princess’s hair.
They handed it over to King Kithsirimevan of Anuradhapura, marking the beginning of the relic’s deep connection with the rulers of Sri Lanka. Since then, legend has it that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country!
Besides its great political power, other numerous legends swirl around the tooth relic. One popular belief is that it has the power to bring rain, ensuring a bountiful harvest. The relic’s safety and well-being are considered crucial for the country’s prosperity and stability.
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Rituals and Ceremonies: Living Traditions
Because of its deep significance, the temple is alive to this very day with daily, weekly, and annual ceremonies conducted to worship the sacred relic, these are known as poojas.
The daily poojas take place at dawn, noon, and in the evenings, and the relic is displayed for the public – not the tooth itself but the gold casket where it’s said to be hidden.
These daily worships are held in the inner chamber of the temple and start with some traditional music and drumming on the ground floor. Everyone is then invited upstairs, where devotees place beautiful lotus blossoms and frangipani flowers for their offerings and prayers.
You then wait patiently for the moment you can get a glimpse of the well-guarded shrine where the tooth is kept. A small donation is collected and in return, you get a little string bracelet. It’s a beautiful ceremony!
Hot tip: On Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with an herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called Nanumura Mangallaya.
In the middle of the year, usually in July or August, the relic casket gets paraded through the streets of Kandy atop a male elephant. This vibrant procession is known as Esala Perahera and features dancers, drummers, and elaborately decorated elephants, and goes on for 10 days. The streets of Kandy come alive with the sound of traditional music, the sight of fire dancers, and the aroma of incense.
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Inside the Temple Complex
The Temple of the Tooth is not just a place of worship, it’s an architectural masterpiece. Originally built by King Vira Narendra Sinha in the early 1700s, the temple has undergone numerous renovations and additions by successive rulers and it’s a sight for the eyes. Besides the main shrine, which houses the sacred tooth relic under its golden roof, you should also visit:
👑 The Royal Palace: Adjacent to the temple is the former Royal Palace of the Kandyan Kingdom. This historical structure now houses the National Museum of Kandy, showcasing artifacts that offer insights into Sri Lanka’s rich history and the temple’s significance.
🏯 The Audience Hall: Another important structure is the Audience Hall, or Magul Malduwa, where the Kandyan kings held court. It’s known for its exquisite wood carvings and is a fine example of traditional Sri Lankan architecture.
🏛️ The Temple Museum: The Temple Museum, located within the complex, houses an array of gifts and offerings made to the temple and the tooth relic over the centuries. These include intricate carvings, precious gems, and other valuables, each with a story to tell.
Visiting the Temple of the Tooth: Practical Information
💶 Entrance Fee: the entrance fee is 2,000r for foreign adults and free for foreign children (< 15 years).
👔 Dress Code and Etiquette: it is essential to dress appropriately to visit the temple and the ceremonies. Knees and shoulders should be covered, and you should remove your shoes before entering the temple. It’s also recommended to keep noise levels to a minimum.
⏰ Ceremonies Schedule:
- Dawn Pooja: 5:30 AM to 7 AM
- Morning Pooja: 9:30 AM to 11 AM
- Evening Pooja: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
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Nearby Attractions
⛰️ Kandy Lake: right next to the temple is the serene Kandy Lake. A leisure stroll around it is a must-do, especially during sunrise or sunset!
🌳 The Royal Palace Park: the temple is surrounded by lush gardens known as the Royal Palace Park. The park’s well-maintained paths, shaded by beautiful trees, are perfect for walks.
