One of the many wonders of the world is the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Lanka). This is a unique place that Buddhists from all over the world strive to get into. In the great shrine, the tooth of the Buddha is kept under numerous protection. Despite the fact that the temple is open for visits around the clock, it always gathers a huge queue of people who want to see the Tooth of the Buddha and feel the special spiritual atmosphere. The temple that houses the Buddhist relic has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.
Buddha Tooth Temple: Relic History
The acquisition of the relic originates from the legend according to which, after his death, the Enlightened One bequeathed to burn his body. And in 540 BC it was put to fire. After the cremation, four Buddha teeth remained in the ashes. They were transported around the world. In 371, one Buddha Tooth was brought to Ceylon. For several centuries he was in India.
But then the ruler Kalinga began to suffer defeats in internecine wars from enemies and began to fear for the fate of the state and an invaluable relic. He decided to transport her to the island with the help of his daughter. The princess was dressed and was no different from ordinary village girls. A Tooth of the Buddha was woven into her hair, and she went to Ceylon. So, with the help of the princess, the shrine came to Sri Lanka.
What is the power of the Tooth Relic?
Since the advent of the Tooth Relic, amazing magic power has been attributed to this relic. It was believed that the owner of the Tooth becomes the owner of a huge and complete power. Therefore, the relic instantly fell into the possession of the royal dynasty. But the royal people kept and protected the Tooth of the Buddha, respectively, surrounding him not only with protection, but also with wealth.
It was believed that the disappearance of the relics brought an end to belief. Therefore, a separate Temple of the Tooth Relic was erected. Islamists tried to destroy the relic. And in 1998, an explosion occurred in the temple. The building was badly damaged, but surprisingly, the Tooth of the Buddha was completely unhurt and remained unharmed. And this incident only emphasizes the holiness and power of this relic.
“Traveling relics” and gaining a permanent place of storage
The city of the Temple of the Tooth Relic is Kandy. But the relic was not there immediately. The capitals in Ceylon changed several times, but the Tooth of the Buddha did not stay in the same place. He became a symbol of the love of the people and power. And the rulers always carried the relic with them. Thus, the Tooth of the Buddha first appeared in the capital Anuradhapuru. Then he was transported to Polunaruwa. And, finally, found a permanent storage place, which became the third royal capital - Kandy.
How did the Temple for the Tooth of Buddha come about?
Buddha's tooth is kept in Sri Dalada Maligawa. The temple was first built of wood. But in the eighteenth century it was burned by ill-wishers. Despite this, the relic survived. The royal palace was built on the site of the conflagration. It kept a relic under the watchful monarchical supervision.
Only a few were allowed to contemplate the Tooth of the Buddha - the king and only the closest and most respected monks. When the reign of the last monarch ended, the palace was at the disposal of the monks. And was renamed the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy.
How is the relic stored?
Buddha’s tooth is located in a small golden stupa, which is located on the territory of the former royal palace, in one of the buildings, which now has the status of a temple. The relic is in a separate, well-guarded room, in seven caskets, each of which is made in the form of a stupa. All of them are embedded in each other like a Russian nesting doll. A room with a relic is constantly guarded by at least two monks. The stupas into which the Tooth of the Buddha is “packed” are protected by bulletproof glass.
Can I see the Tooth of Buddha?
You can look at the relic only from afar, twice a day, at strictly defined hours. And then at this time, the Tooth of the Buddha is in the "pile-matryoshka" of golden stupas. And the relic is made available for viewing only during Esal Peraher, a traditional holiday. And only in a special box.
In rare and exceptional cases, when the Tooth of the Buddha is still shown close, it fits into a special golden loop that comes out of the center of the lotus made of the same precious metal. This presentation is not accidental. The relic was found on the lotus flower.
Temple description
Temple of the Tooth Relic is a landmark and a pearl of Sri Lanka - the former royal palace, and now - the temple of Buddhist monks, which houses a priceless holy relic. The magnificent decoration of the premises has survived to this day. The Tooth Temple is part of a large complex of palace buildings, occupying a separate.
At first it was a separate temple. Over time, a second was built around - the external. The result was a temple in the temple. The external territory is fenced with a moat with water and two openwork walls: Sea waves and Clouds. These names were given to them thanks to bizarre and unusual forms that evoke poetic associations. On holidays, small light bulbs are placed in the apertures of the walls, creating a special atmosphere in the evening. Thanks to them, the whole territory is illuminated by thousands of lights.
The complex of palace buildings
The complex of palace buildings includes not only the Temple of the Tooth Relic, but also the Hall for Royal Audiences, etc. The National Museum is now located in the Royal Palace. But pilgrims and tourists come mainly to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Between it and the Royal Palace is a roof made of gold, which was built in 1987. It is located directly above the stupa, where the relic is stored.
Many of the palace rooms are closely connected with the Temple of the Tooth Relic. After passing through the Ambarava tunnel, visitors enter the lower tier of the temple complex. This is the court of the Drummers of H. Mandapay. Here, modest religious rituals are held every day. And next to the Drummers' Courtyard is a modern Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is built around the old.
Special attention when examining the palace complex should be given to the Throne Hall of the Kings of Kandy. Sri Lankan craftsmen really created masterpieces by making furniture. All of it is made of one huge rock. On the walls of the hall are paintings depicting the life stages of the Enlightened One, the history of the relic and the temple of the sacred Tooth Relic.
In the halls of the palace you can see unusual exhibits. For example, a mummified elephant. This animal is considered sacred, since for many years during the festivals it was taken out for display to a box with the Buddha's Tooth. Moreover, the relic temporarily left the temple.
Festive procession in honor of the Tooth of the Buddha: Esal Perahera
Near the roof there is a Pattriippuwa tower, which has eight corners. It was erected in 1803 and is part of the palace complex. From the tower, the kings gave speeches to their subjects and watched the ceremony of Esal Peraher. This is a multi-day procession taking place in July or August, during the full moon. The ceremony was held in honor of the Tooth of the Buddha. In modern times, the tower has become a repository of ancient manuscripts.
Esala Perahera is one of the most important Sri Lankan religious holidays associated with the Temple. Dozens of elephants participate in the solemn procession, with bright bedspreads and garlands thrown over them. At the same time, dancers, acrobats and drummers arrange performances. All in national costumes, as required by the ritual.
This noisy solemn procession takes place before the removal of the Tooth of Buddha on public display. At this time, the relic is in a special box of gold. Buddha's tooth is surrounded by flowers and jewelry. You can admire the relic for four hours, going to the temple. Touching the Tooth of the Buddha is strictly prohibited. Therefore, you can only look close.
Attractions inside the Tooth Relic Temple
The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Lanka) has many internal halls. Their decoration is striking in its beauty. Finishing is made using precious stones. The inlay is made using emeralds, rubies, ivory and silver.
There is a separate room in which the library is located. In other rooms there are numerous ancient Buddha statues. Moreover, they are made and decorated from different materials: gold, jade, quartz and other semi- and precious stones. Throughout the temple, more than a thousand statues and small statues of Buddha, and in various poses.
Temple of the Tooth Relic: dress code and additional services
Due to repeated attempts to undermine the Temple of the Tooth Relic and to destroy the relic, the premises are constantly under vigilant protection. And at the entrance, people are carefully felt. At the same time, men and women are in different rooms. To get as close to the relic as possible, at the entrance you can take special flowers that are intended for offerings.
You can lay plants on the second floor of the temple, you need to get in line. During her movement, the flowers are put in the window, which people pass by. Another hall is visible from it, in which a relic is located under the golden dome.
Visiting the temple is paid. But the price also includes a disc with a pre-recorded sightseeing tour, which you can watch several times when you return home. At the box office there is a service - an audio guide. It contains complete information about the structure of the temple, its decoration and all exhibits.
Buddha Tooth Temple is valid, therefore the dress code is strictly observed. Shoes are required to be taken in front of the entrance. You can use the services of left-luggage offices. Or save by removing shoes right at the entrance, as many locals do. But in this case, no one guarantees the safety of shoes and sandals. Before entering the temple, not only women, but also men are required to cover their shoulders and knees.
How to get to the Temple of the Tooth Relic?
Many, coming to Sri Lanka, primarily want to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. How to get to this place? It is possible by car. The temple is located in Kandy. Therefore, you need to go along the A1 highway from Colombo. “A1” just connects the capital of Sri Lanka with Kandy. The approximate journey time is three hours. This method is most suitable for those who want to explore other sights along the way. For example, the Royal Botanic Gardens located in Peradeniya.
Buddha Tooth Temple is accessible by bus. Since Kandy is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, many routes have been laid through it to all the main cities - Colombo, Galle, Negombo, etc. The bus travel time is the same - about three hours. The only difference is the level of ride comfort and fare. Buses to Kandy stop at the Central Station, which is located next to the railway station. From it to the Temple of the Tooth Relic - just ten minutes on foot. You need to go towards the lake. But you can get on a tuk-tuk.
But the fastest and most economical way to get to the Temple of the Tooth Relic is by train. The train goes from the railway station Colombo Fort. And stops at Central in Kandy. Ticket price depends on the class of car. Travel time is four hours. On the way you can admire amazingly beautiful natural landscapes.