In the heart of Sri Lanka's cultural capital, Kandy, stands a magnificent testament to Buddhist faith and Sinhalese heritage—the Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa. This sacred shrine, home to one of Buddhism's most revered relics, has played a pivotal role in shaping the island nation's history, spirituality, and cultural identity for centuries. As you approach the gleaming white structure with its golden roof, you're not just witnessing an architectural marvel, but stepping into a living, breathing centre of devotion that continues to captivate pilgrims and visitors alike.
Historical significance of sri dalada maligawa
The Temple of the Tooth boasts a rich history intertwined with the very fabric of Sri Lankan civilization. Legend has it that after the Buddha's parinirvana in 543 BCE, his left canine tooth was retrieved from the funeral pyre. This sacred relic eventually found its way to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamala.
For centuries, the Tooth Relic was not merely an object of veneration but a symbol of sovereignty. Possession of the relic was believed to grant the divine right to rule, making it a coveted prize for both local monarchs and foreign invaders. The relic's journey across the island, moving from capital to capital, mirrors the ebb and flow of Sri Lankan kingdoms until it finally came to rest in Kandy in the late 16th century.
The Temple of the Tooth, as we see it today, was constructed between 1687 and 1707 under the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I. However, its story doesn't end there. The temple has withstood the test of time, surviving colonial wars, natural disasters, and even a terrorist attack in 1998, each time rising from the ashes, much like the enduring faith it represents.
Architectural marvels of the temple complex
The Sri Dalada Maligawa is a stunning example of Kandyan architecture, blending indigenous craftsmanship with influences from South India and other parts of Southeast Asia. As you approach the temple, you're greeted by a magnificent moat, symbolizing the ocean of samsara that surrounds the sacred mountain of Meru in Buddhist cosmology.
Kandyan period design elements in the octagonal patthirippuwa
One of the most striking features of the temple complex is the Patthirippuwa , or the Octagon. This structure, added in the early 19th century, showcases the epitome of Kandyan architectural style. Its eight sides represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism, while its positioning offers a panoramic view of Kandy city and the surrounding hills.
Originally used as a royal audience hall, the Patthirippuwa now houses ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and serves as a vantage point for visitors to admire the temple's grandeur. The intricate woodwork and the sloping roof with its distinctive Kandyan tiles are a testament to the skill of local artisans.
Symbolic significance of the golden canopy (ran avata)
Hovering above the main shrine is the Ran Avata , or the Golden Canopy. This glittering structure is not just an aesthetic marvel but deeply symbolic. In Buddhist tradition, the Buddha is often depicted with a halo or canopy, representing his enlightened state. The Golden Canopy of the Temple of the Tooth extends this symbolism to the sacred relic housed within, emphasizing its divine nature.
The canopy was a gift from the devotees and is periodically refurbished, with each restoration seen as an act of merit-making. Its dazzling presence serves as a beacon, visible from various parts of Kandy, guiding pilgrims to the sacred site.
Intricate woodcarvings in the paththirippuwa and vahalkada
The Temple of the Tooth is renowned for its exquisite woodcarvings, particularly in the Paththirippuwa and the Vahalkada (entrance pavilions). These carvings depict various Buddhist tales, mythical creatures, and floral motifs, each telling a story or imparting a lesson from Buddhist philosophy.
The level of detail in these carvings is astounding, with artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations. From the delicate lotus flowers to the fearsome makara (mythical sea creatures), every carving is a work of art that contributes to the temple's overall spiritual ambiance.
Royal palace integration: mahawasala and digge buildings
The Temple of the Tooth is not an isolated structure but part of the larger royal palace complex. The Mahawasala (Great Hall) and the Digge (Drummers' Hall) are integral components that highlight the intertwining of religious and royal power in ancient Sri Lanka.
The Mahawasala, with its impressive columns and spacious interior, was once used for royal ceremonies and now hosts important Buddhist events. The Digge, on the other hand, houses the temple's sacred drums, which play a crucial role in daily rituals and festivals. These buildings serve as a reminder of the temple's dual role as both a religious sanctuary and a symbol of royal authority.
Sacred relic chamber and tooth relic veneration
At the heart of the Temple of the Tooth lies the Sacred Relic Chamber, the focal point of devotion and the reason for the temple's existence. This chamber, known as the Vadahitina Maligawa , is where the Buddha's tooth relic is enshrined, making it one of the most sacred spaces in the Buddhist world.
Security measures for the tooth relic: seven golden caskets
The tooth relic is protected by an elaborate system of seven golden caskets, each nested within the other like Russian dolls. This arrangement serves both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it provides multiple layers of security for the precious relic. Symbolically, the seven caskets represent the seven factors of enlightenment in Buddhist philosophy.
The outermost casket is adorned with precious gems and intricate designs, while the innermost one, holding the actual relic, remains a mystery to all but a select few high-ranking monks. This level of protection and secrecy adds to the relic's mystique and sacred status.
Rituals of the thevava ceremony: daily veneration
The Thevava ceremony is a daily ritual of veneration performed three times a day—at dawn, noon, and evening. During these ceremonies, the doors to the inner sanctum are opened, allowing devotees to catch a glimpse of the outer casket and make offerings.
The ceremony is accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums and the blowing of conch shells, creating an atmosphere of reverence and spiritual intensity. Pilgrims offer flowers, incense, and other items, believing that paying homage to the tooth relic can bring blessings and merit.
Significance of the nanumura mangallaya ritual
Among the many rituals associated with the tooth relic, the Nanumura Mangallaya holds special significance. This annual ceremony involves the symbolic bathing of the sacred relic with a herbal preparation made from fragrant woods and flowers.
The water used in this ritual is considered holy and is distributed among devotees, who believe it has healing properties. The Nanumura Mangallaya is not just a religious event but also marks the beginning of the agricultural cycle, highlighting the temple's role in both spiritual and temporal aspects of Sri Lankan life.
Cultural impact and buddhist pilgrimage
The Temple of the Tooth is more than just a religious site; it's a cultural beacon that draws pilgrims and tourists from around the world. For Buddhists, a visit to Sri Dalada Maligawa is considered one of the most meritorious acts, akin to a pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya in India where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
The temple's influence extends beyond religious circles. It plays a crucial role in preserving traditional arts and crafts, with many artisans dedicating their skills to maintaining and beautifying the temple complex. From painters to woodcarvers, generations of craftspeople have honed their talents in service of the sacred tooth relic.
Moreover, the Temple of the Tooth serves as a living museum of Sri Lankan history and culture. Its halls and chambers house priceless artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and royal regalia, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich past. The temple's museum section displays gifts from devotees and dignitaries from around the world, showcasing the global reverence for this sacred site.
Annual esala perahera festival
The pinnacle of the Temple of the Tooth's cultural calendar is the Esala Perahera , one of the most spectacular religious festivals in Asia. This ten-day extravaganza, usually held in July or August, transforms the streets of Kandy into a dazzling display of devotion, artistry, and tradition.
Kumbal perahera: Five-Night procession details
The Esala Perahera begins with the Kumbal Perahera , a five-night procession that serves as a prelude to the grand finale. During these nights, the number of participants and the grandeur of the procession gradually increase, building anticipation for the main event.
The Kumbal Perahera features traditional dancers, drummers, and flag bearers representing various temples and noble houses. This initial phase is crucial for participants to perfect their performances and for organizers to fine-tune the logistics of the massive procession.
Randoli perahera: elaborately adorned elephants and dancers
The highlight of the Esala Perahera is the Randoli Perahera , which takes place over the final five nights. This is when the festival reaches its zenith of splendor and spiritual fervor. The centerpiece of the procession is the majestic Maligawa Tusker, carrying a golden casket believed to contain a replica of the sacred tooth relic.
Surrounding this central figure are hundreds of elaborately adorned elephants, each representing a different temple or noble family. Interspersed among the elephants are thousands of dancers, drummers, fire-breathers, and acrobats, creating a sensory spectacle that captivates hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets.
Diya kepeema ritual at the mahaweli river
The Esala Perahera concludes with the Diya Kepeema ritual, a water-cutting ceremony performed at the Mahaweli River. This ancient ritual symbolizes the beseeching of the gods for rainfall and prosperity for the coming year.
In this ceremony, a special sword is used to "cut" the waters of the river, marking the end of the festival and the beginning of a new cycle. The water from this ritual is considered blessed and is sprinkled on the streets to purify the city after the grand procession.
Conservation efforts and UNESCO world heritage status
Recognizing the immense cultural and historical value of the Temple of the Tooth, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1988 as part of the Sacred City of Kandy. This designation has brought both prestige and responsibility, necessitating careful conservation efforts to preserve the site for future generations.
Conservation work at the temple is an ongoing process, balancing the need to maintain its authenticity with the demands of modern safety and accessibility standards. Experts in traditional crafts work alongside conservation scientists to ensure that any restoration work respects the original materials and techniques used in the temple's construction.
The temple authorities have also implemented measures to manage the increasing number of visitors while preserving the sanctity of the site. This includes controlled access to certain areas, educational programs to raise awareness about the temple's significance, and the use of technology for virtual tours and information dissemination.
As you explore the Temple of the Tooth, you're not just witnessing a relic of the past, but participating in a living tradition that continues to shape Sri Lanka's cultural and spiritual landscape. The enduring reverence for the sacred tooth relic and the magnificent temple that houses it stand as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring legacy of Sri Lanka's rich heritage.