Sri Lanka, Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha

Sri Lanka, Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha

The temple of the Tooth of Buddha (Sri Dalad Maligawa), built in the 17th century, is located in the city of Kandy, which for a long time was rightfully the center of Buddhism. It is believed that there is the upper left canine of the Buddha. This precious relic attracts pilgrims in white robes bearing lotus and jasmine flowers, every day.

According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha when he lay on the funeral pyre. He was secretly taken to Sri Lanka in 313 AD in the hair of Princess Hemamali, who fled from the Hindu army besieging her father’s kingdom in India. The tooth immediately became the object of worship and veneration, he began to be considered one of the precious relics. It was taken out only for special occasions and carried on the backs of elephants, which are sacred animals. Countless attempts have been made to capture and destroy the tooth.

When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was taken there; he was placed in a temple built in his honor. The temple was built by the rulers of Kandy between 1687 and 1707, but then was badly damaged during the colonial wars against the Portuguese and the Dutch in the 18th century. After the war, the original wooden structures were restored in stone. In January 1998, Hindu-Tamil separatists blew up the temple, damaging its facade and roof. Recovery began immediately after this.

The buildings of the temple do not look gorgeous or richly decorated. White with red roofs, they are grouped around Lake Kandy. Striking contrast with the simple appearance is the interior of the temple, richly decorated with carvings and inserts of wood, ivory, and varnish.

READ  Sri Lanka, Kandy National Museum

Around the whole complex is a low white stone wall, with elegantly carved holes in it. During the celebrations, candles are inserted there, illuminating the entire temple. The tooth is in a two-storied sacred vault. The relic lies on the golden flower of the lotus, enclosed in a precious casket lying on the throne.

The tower was also attached to the church, built in 1803 and was originally a prison. Currently, it contains a collection of manuscripts on palm leaves. The palace of the king was also annexed to the temple.

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