The Temple of the Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites in Sri Lanka. Nestled in the picturesque hill capital of Kandy, this temple houses a revered relic of Buddha's tooth. The presence of this relic has shaped not only the religious landscape of Sri Lanka but also its political history, with ancient kings viewing the possession of the relic as essential for the legitimacy of their rule. Today, the Temple of the Tooth continues to serve as a focal point of Sri Lankan Buddhism and a symbol of the country's cultural and religious identity.
Historical Background of the Temple of the Tooth Relic
The story of the tooth relic begins in India, in the 4th century
ng the reign of King Guhasiva of Kalinga. When his kingdom faced the threat of invasion, the king entrusted the sacred tooth relic to his daughter, Princess Hemamala, and her husband, Prince Dantha. Disguised as ordinary travelers, they fled to Sri Lanka, arriving in the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. There, the tooth relic was given to King Meghavanna, who enshrined it and began the tradition of worship that continues to this day.
The tooth relic quickly became a symbol of royal authority in Sri Lanka, with subsequent kings fiercely guarding it. The possession of the relic was seen as a divine right to rule, and throughout the centuries, it was moved from capital to capital as the seat of power in Sri Lanka shifted—from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, and finally Kandy, where it has remained since the late 16th century.
The temple as it exists today was built by King Vimaladharmasuriya I in the early 17th century after the relic was brought to Kandy. Over time, successive kings expanded and beautified the temple, creating a masterpiece of Kandyan architecture that continues to inspire awe in its visitors.
The Architecture of the Temple
The Temple of the Tooth is a stunning example of traditional Kandyan architecture, with its unique blend of stone, wood, and gold. Its most recognizable feature is the golden-roofed shrine that houses the sacred tooth relic. This section delves deeply into the temple's architectural elements, its layout, and the significance of each part.
The Main Shrine
The heart of the temple is the shrine that contains the tooth relic, enshrined in a series of seven golden caskets. These caskets are shaped like dagobas (stupas) and are encrusted with precious stones, reflecting the importance of the relic they house. The relic itself is not visible to the public, as it is kept locked away in the innermost chamber of the shrine. However, the faithful can catch a glimpse of the outermost casket during religious services held at specific times of the day.
The Moat and Stone Wall
The temple is surrounded by a moat and a large stone wall known as the “water waves wall”. The moat and wall are not only defensive structures but also symbols of purity, protecting the sacredness of the temple. The outer wall features rows of holes where oil lamps are lit during religious festivals, creating a mesmerizing display of lights that adds to the temple's spiritual atmosphere.
The Audience Hall (Magul Maduwa)
The Magul Maduwa, or the Audience Hall, is a wooden structure with beautifully carved pillars, located within the temple grounds. It was once used for royal ceremonies and gatherings, including the signing of the Kandyan Convention in 1815, which marked the end of the monarchy in Sri Lanka and the beginning of British colonial rule. Today, the hall is used for cultural and religious events, including the Esala Perahera, one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in the world.
Temple Grounds and Surrounding Shrines
In addition to the main shrine, the temple grounds include several smaller shrines and structures. These include the Natha Devale, Pattini Devale, and Vishnu Devale, dedicated to different deities in the Buddhist pantheon. The Royal Palace complex, which houses the temple, is also a significant attraction, offering insight into the lives of Sri Lanka's ancient kings.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The importance of the Temple of the Tooth extends beyond its architectural beauty. It is a site of immense religious significance, not just for Buddhists in Sri Lanka but for Buddhists worldwide. The tooth relic is considered one of the most important relics of the Buddha, and its presence in Sri Lanka is seen as a blessing that has helped protect and preserve Buddhism in the country for over a millennium.
The Tooth Relic as a Symbol of Sovereignty
Historically, the possession of the tooth relic was closely tied to the legitimacy of the ruling monarch. Kings who possessed the relic were believed to have the divine right to rule, and its protection was seen as essential for maintaining order and peace in the kingdom. The relic was so important that kings often built entire palaces around it and moved it with them whenever they changed capitals.
Pilgrimage and Worship
For Buddhists, visiting the Temple of the Tooth is a spiritual pilgrimage. Thousands of pilgrims from Sri Lanka and around the world visit the temple every year to pay their respects to the relic. The temple is also the site of daily religious services, during which offerings of flowers and incense are made to the relic. The faithful believe that the relic provides blessings, protection, and spiritual merit.
Role of Monks and the Custodianship of the Relic
The temple is managed by Buddhist monks of the Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters, two of the most prominent monastic orders in Sri Lanka. These monks are responsible for the safekeeping of the relic and for conducting the religious services held at the temple. The head monks of these chapters play an important role in the spiritual life of the country, and their endorsement is often sought for major national events.
The Esala Perahera: Celebrating the Sacred Tooth
One of the most spectacular events associated with the Temple of the Tooth is the Esala Perahera, a grand annual procession that takes place in the months of July and August. This section of the article would detail the origins and evolution of the Perahera, the rituals involved, and its significance in both religious and cultural contexts.
The Esala Perahera is not just a religious festival but also a vibrant cultural celebration. It is one of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, and it features elaborate processions with decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and torch-bearers. The highlight of the Perahera is the Maligawa Tusker, a specially chosen elephant that carries a replica of the tooth relic in a golden casket.
This festival is a major event not just for Buddhists but for all Sri Lankans, as it brings together people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds in a shared celebration of the country's cultural heritage.
The Temple of the Tooth in Modern Times
The Temple of the Tooth is not just a historical site but also a living religious and cultural institution. Today, it is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world and a popular tourist destination. It has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical, cultural, and architectural significance.
UNESCO Recognition and Conservation Efforts
In 1988, the Temple of the Tooth was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a recognition of its importance not just to Sri Lanka but to the world. This section would discuss the conservation efforts undertaken to preserve the temple and its artifacts, including challenges faced due to natural wear, political instability, and the increasing influx of tourists.
Tourism and Pilgrimage
As a major religious site, the Temple of the Tooth attracts thousands of visitors every year. While most are pilgrims, many are tourists interested in the history and architecture of the temple. The temple authorities have worked to balance the needs of pilgrims and tourists, ensuring that the sacredness of the site is preserved while also accommodating the growing interest in Sri Lankan culture.
Conclusion
The Temple of the Tooth stands as a testament to the enduring significance of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and to the country's rich cultural heritage. From its early origins in ancient India to its role in the political history of Sri Lanka, the temple has been a focal point of devotion and national identity for over a thousand years. Today, it continues to inspire awe and reverence, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe to experience its beauty and spirituality.