Temple of the Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa)
Located in the hill capital of Sri Lanka, the Temple of the tooth relic is a major tourist destination in Kandy. Also named as the “Daladha Maligawa”, the Temple of the tooth relic houses the sacred tooth of the Buddha. Maligawa in Sinhalese means “palace”. This Temple was a palace that was built almost three centuries ago to house and honor the tooth relic.The tooth relic is encased in seven golden caskets which are engraved with precious gemstones. The caskets take the shape of Stupa.
Since ancient times the tooth relic played a prominent role in the local politics as it was believed that the tooth relic became the symbol of power and gave the right to ascend the throne. Many kings in the kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambadeniya built temples for the relic. The current Temple of the tooth was built by Vira Narendra Sinha while Sri Vikrama Rajasinha who was the last king of the Kingdom of Kandy added the Octagonal named “Paththirippuwa” and moat.
If you are a lover...
Since ancient times the tooth relic played a prominent role in the local politics as it was believed that the tooth relic became the symbol of power and gave the right to ascend the throne. Many kings in the kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambadeniya built temples for the relic. The current Temple of the tooth was built by Vira Narendra Sinha while Sri Vikrama Rajasinha who was the last king of the Kingdom of Kandy added the Octagonal named “Paththirippuwa” and moat.
If you are a lover...
Other places in Kandy
- Nuwara Weva (Kandy Lake)
- Ambuluwawa Biodiversity Complex
- Bahirawa Kanda
- Bambaragala Monastery – Teldiniya
- Degaldoruwa Raja Maha Vihara
- Embekka Devalaya
- Galmaduwa Viharaya
- Gadaladeniya Rajamaha Viharaya
- Gangarama Raja Maha Viharaya – Lewella
