The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. Located in the historic city of Kandy, this temple houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, one of the most revered religious artifacts in the Buddhist world.
For centuries, the temple has served as the spiritual heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism. Pilgrims and travelers from around the world visit the temple to witness daily rituals, admire traditional Kandyan architecture, and experience the deep spiritual atmosphere surrounding the sacred relic.
The temple complex is located next to the beautiful Kandy Lake and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy. Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is considered one of the most important cultural and religious experiences in Sri Lanka.
Location: Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Built: 16th century (during the Kandyan Kingdom)
Religious Significance: Houses the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic
Opening Hours: Approximately 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening ceremony
Average Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hours
The sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD.
According to historical records, Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha smuggled the relic from India to Sri Lanka by hiding it inside the princess’s hair. At that time, the relic was brought to protect it from political instability in India.
Once in Sri Lanka, the relic became an important symbol of royal authority. Whoever possessed the relic was considered the rightful ruler of the country.
Because of this belief, the relic was always kept close to the king’s palace. As different kingdoms rose and fell across the island, the relic moved with the royal court.
Eventually, during the reign of the Kandyan Kingdom, the sacred relic was permanently placed in Kandy, where the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was constructed to protect it.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of national identity.
For Buddhists in Sri Lanka, the relic represents:
• the living presence of the Buddha
• the protection of the nation
• the continuity of Buddhist tradition
Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every day to offer flowers, light incense, and participate in religious rituals.
The temple is also the center of one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia – the Kandy Esala Perahera.
The temple complex is a masterpiece of traditional Kandyan architecture.
Key architectural features include:
One of the most recognizable features of the temple is its golden roof, which was added in modern times to enhance the temple’s sacred appearance.
The temple is surrounded by a moat and protective walls that once formed part of the royal palace complex.
Inside the temple, visitors can see beautifully carved wooden pillars decorated with traditional Kandyan designs.
The temple entrance features traditional moonstones, a common element of ancient Sri Lankan temple architecture.
The tooth relic itself is kept inside a heavily protected chamber.
Visitors cannot see the relic directly. Instead, it is placed inside a series of golden caskets shaped like stupas.
These caskets are displayed inside the temple during daily ceremonies.
The chamber is one of the most sacred spaces in the temple complex, and thousands of devotees gather there each day to pay their respects.
One of the most memorable experiences for visitors is witnessing the daily pooja ceremonies.
These ceremonies take place three times a day:
Morning Ceremony: around 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
Midday Ceremony: around 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening Ceremony: around 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
During these rituals, traditional drummers and temple musicians perform sacred music while monks conduct religious offerings.
The atmosphere becomes incredibly spiritual as devotees present flowers and prayers to the sacred relic.
One of the most famous cultural events in Sri Lanka is the Kandy Esala Perahera, held every year in July or August.
This grand festival celebrates the sacred tooth relic with a spectacular procession featuring:
• beautifully decorated elephants
• traditional Kandyan dancers
• fire performers
• drummers and musicians
• ceremonial torch bearers
The main elephant carries a replica of the sacred relic casket through the streets of Kandy.
The festival attracts thousands of visitors and is considered one of the most impressive religious celebrations in Asia.
Several museums are located within the temple complex.
This museum displays the history of Buddhism around the world and the spread of Buddhist culture across different countries.
This museum focuses on the history of the sacred tooth relic and the Kandyan Kingdom.
Visitors can see historical artifacts, royal objects, and religious relics.
Visitors to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic can easily explore several nearby attractions.
Kandy Lake is located right next to the temple and offers a peaceful walking path with beautiful views of the city.
This protected forest sanctuary is located behind the temple and is perfect for nature walks and bird watching.
Visitors often combine their temple visit with the Kandy Cultural Dance Show, which showcases traditional Sri Lankan dance performances.
The temple is open throughout the year, but certain times offer a better experience.
Morning visits allow travelers to experience the peaceful spiritual atmosphere before crowds arrive.
The evening pooja ceremony is one of the most beautiful and spiritual experiences in Kandy.
Visiting during the Esala Perahera festival offers a unique opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s grandest cultural celebration.
Visitors must follow temple dress rules.
Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
Remove shoes and hats before entering the temple.
Avoid turning your back directly toward Buddha statues when taking photographs.
Maintain respectful behavior inside the temple.
Arrive early to avoid long queues during ceremonies.
Bring flowers if you wish to make an offering.
Carry socks because the temple floor can be hot during the day.
Combine the visit with other attractions around Kandy to maximize your travel experience.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic represents the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
Visitors come here to experience:
• centuries of Buddhist history
• sacred religious traditions
• stunning Kandyan architecture
• vibrant cultural ceremonies
For many travelers, visiting this temple becomes one of the most meaningful experiences during their journey through Sri Lanka.
It houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, one of the most important Buddhist relics in the world.
No, the relic itself is kept inside golden caskets and is not directly visible to the public.
Most visitors spend about one to two hours exploring the temple complex.
The best time is during the morning or evening pooja ceremonies.