…Temple of Tooth…
The Temple of the Tooth Relic: A Sacred Icon of Sri Lanka
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, located in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, is one of the most revered and historically significant places of worship in the country. The temple houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, a precious artifact that has been a symbol of royal power and spiritual authority for centuries. As the center of Buddhist worship in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth holds not only religious importance but also cultural and political significance.
Historical Background
The sacred tooth relic is believed to have belonged to the Buddha himself and has a long history. According to tradition, after the Buddha’s cremation, his ashes and relics were distributed across the subcontinent. The tooth relic was reportedly taken to Sri Lanka in the 4th century CE, brought by Princess Hemamala and her husband, Prince Danta, from India to safeguard it. Over the centuries, the relic became a symbol of kingship, with the belief that whoever possessed the tooth relic had the right to rule the island.
The temple itself was constructed in the late 16th century, though it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years. Initially, the tooth relic was housed in the royal palace, but it was later moved to a specially built temple in Kandy during the reign of King Wickramabahu III in the 16th century, ensuring its safety and providing a place for devout worship.
Architectural Features
The Temple of the Tooth is an architectural marvel, blending traditional Sri Lankan, Kandyan, and Buddhist influences. The temple is situated on the banks of the Kandy Lake in the heart of the city. Its distinctive Kandyan-style architecture includes a series of intricate wooden carvings, brightly colored frescoes, and elegant, sweeping rooflines that characterize the local Buddhist temples.
The temple complex includes a sanctum, where the tooth relic is kept in a golden casket. The relic is housed in a series of containers, which are secured behind several doors, with only a select few allowed to view it. Visitors do not directly see the relic; instead, they can pay their respects by standing in front of the closed casket, which is surrounded by ornate offerings, and observing rituals that take place in the temple.
One of the most striking features of the temple is the golden canopy under which the sacred tooth relic is kept, symbolizing its royal status and spiritual importance. Visitors and worshippers often gather to witness various ceremonies, especially during the early morning and evening rituals, when the relic is offered flowers, incense, and other items.
The Significance of the Tooth Relic
The tooth relic is considered to be a direct link to the Buddha’s spiritual and physical presence on earth. As such, it is regarded with the utmost reverence and is central to the religious practices of Sri Lankan Buddhists. Over the centuries, the relic has played an important role in Sri Lanka’s political and cultural landscape. Historically, the possession of the relic was believed to grant the rightful monarch divine legitimacy, and many kings from different parts of Sri Lanka sought to protect and display it as a symbol of their power.
The Esala Perahera, a grand annual procession held in Kandy, is one of the most important events connected to the Temple of the Tooth. The procession, which takes place in July or August, celebrates the tooth relic and its importance in Sri Lankan society. The event is one of the largest and most spectacular festivals in Sri Lanka, drawing thousands of tourists and devotees. It includes colorful parades with traditional dancers, drummers, elephants, and other cultural displays.
Religious and Cultural Importance
The Temple of the Tooth is a focal point for both religious and cultural practices in Sri Lanka. It attracts pilgrims from all corners of the country, as well as international visitors who come to witness its spiritual and architectural grandeur. Buddhists believe that the relic has immense power, and they come to the temple to pay their respects, make offerings, and pray for blessings.
Moreover, the temple is not only a center for worship but also a custodian of Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage. The temple houses a library of ancient texts and scriptures, which are considered invaluable to the preservation of Buddhist traditions in the country. The murals and sculptures inside the temple also depict key events from the Buddha’s life, as well as stories from Sri Lanka’s Buddhist history, offering a visual representation of the teachings and values of Buddhism.
Tourism and Preservation
As one of Sri Lanka’s top tourist attractions, the Temple of the Tooth has a significant impact on the country’s economy. It attracts thousands of international tourists annually who come to learn about Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and religious practices. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its outstanding cultural value. Efforts to preserve the site are ongoing, with the Sri Lankan government and local authorities working to ensure the protection of the temple and its priceless relic.
Conclusion
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is not just a religious site; it is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions and a testament to the country’s long history of devotion and reverence. Its importance spans across spiritual, political, and cultural domains, making it one of the most cherished landmarks in Sri Lanka. For those seeking to understand the soul of the island, the Temple of the Tooth offers a profound and enriching experience that connects the past with the present, and the divine with the earthly.