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Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. Author Krishantha Piyanandana

Top 10 Little Known Facts about Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The temple is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. In ancient times, this relic has always played an important role.

The important role of the relic was in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. This relic was historically held by Sinhalese Kings.

The Sinhalese monarchy has its origins in the settlement of North Indian Indo-Aryan immigrants to the island of Sri Lanka. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a World Heritage Site due to the temple and the relic.

The history of the tooth relic is so amazing to listen to and enjoy. According to a legend, the relic was preserved in Kalinga.

However, it was smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband Prince Dantha following instructions from her father King Guhasiva. This is how it got preserved.

Below are the top 10 little-known facts about the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic:

1. A Popular Legend Stated how the Relic was Smuggled by a Princess

According to a popular legend in Sri Lanka, the tooth relic was previously preserved in Kalinga. However, it was later on smuggled from here by a Princess and her Prince’s husband.

The legend explains that King Guhasiva gave instructions to Princess Hemamali and her husband Prince Dantha on how to smuggle the relic out of Kalinga. Princess Hemamali hid the relic on her way away from Kalinga to the island.

After they landed on the island in Lankapattana during the reign of Sirimeghavanna of Anuradhapura, the relic was handed over to the King. The King then enshrined it in Isurumuniya in Anuradhapura.

2. The Relic has been Safeguarded by Monarchs in Temples near Royal Residences

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Author Krishantha Piyanandana.

If you follow the legend, the tooth relic was bestowed with the king which later on became a custom. The relic was safeguarded by the monarch over the years as it was their top responsibility.

Keeping the relic came to symbolise the right to rule the island. Reigning monarchs had to build the tooth relic temples close to their royal residences.

This happened in two instances in the past. During the times of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Kingdom of Polonnaruwa and Kingdom of Dambadeniya.

3. The Present-day Temple of the Tooth Relic was Previously used by the King for Recreational Activities

The tooth relic was preserved in several regions during the change of different kingdoms. However, it finally settled at the present-day temple.

The present-day temple where the tooth relic is was built by Vira Narendra Sinha. An octagonal Paththirippuwa and moat designed by royal architect Devendra Moolacharya were added during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.

The present-day temple of the tooth relic had different functions previously. It was used by the King for recreational activities and later offered as the tooth relic and still houses the temple’s library.

4. There were Two Attacks by Militants with Intentions of Capturing the Relic

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Author Krishantha Piyanandana

The tooth relic has never been preserved in peace at one specific point. With the belief that having the relic means having the power to rule, several groups have tried to grab its possession.

The temple of the relic faced two major attacks in the 1900s. In 1989, there was an attack at the temple by the militant organisation known as Janatha Vimikthi Peramuna. This group had the intention of capturing the relic.

In 1998, another militant organisation known as Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam also launched another attack. This led to damage to the front side of the royal palace.

5. The Brick Wall of the Temple Runs Along the Moat and Bogambara Lake

The architecture of the temple of the sacred tooth relic is so unique. There is a moat and Bogambara lake.

A brick wall of the temple runs along this moat and the Bogambara lake which is known as the water waves wall. Holes are in this wall built to light coconut oil lamps in the temple.

The design of this structure at the moat and the Bogambara lake is so mesmerising. The temple’s main entrance gate lies over the moat and is known as Mahawahalkada.

6. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic’s Main Entrance was Destroyed In a Bomb Blast

Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), Kandy, Sri Lanka. Author Bernard Gagnon

The two attack attempts at the temple of the sacred tooth relic were so dangerous. They caused major damage to the temple which had been preserved for a very long time.

In the 1998 attack, the main entrance of the temple, Mahawahalkada was destroyed. The militants bombed the gate which caused destruction. However, this main gate was later on rebuilt.

7. Architecture of the Main Gate Depict Protection of the Relic

The temple of sacred tooth relics has a very unique main entrance. The main entrance lies over the moat and is known as Mahawahalkada.

There are several steps on Mahawahalkada. At the foot of the steps, there is a moonstone carved in Kandyan architectural style. There are also some stone carvings built after the 1998 bombing.

Elephant carvings can be seen depicted in each stone on either side of the entrance. Two guardian stones are placed on top of the staircase. They signify the protection of the tooth relic.

8. Doors of the Upper Chamber are Ivory Carvings

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Author Dulakshi.

The temple of the sacred tooth relic is housed in a two storeys building. Each floor of the main shrine has a different name.

The lower floor is known as Palle Malaya and the upper floor is known as Udu Malaya or Weda hitina maligawa. The doors of the upper floor are ivory carvings.

9. Golden Canopy and Golden Fence were Built by then Prime Minister

A section of the temple of the sacred tooth relics is covered with gold. There is a golden canopy over the main shrine and a golden fence which encircles the temple complex.

These golden fences and canopy were built by then Prime Minister, Ranasinghe Premadasa. He showed that the tooth relic means a lot to the culture of his country.

10. The Tooth is Encased in a Special Place

The tooth relic has been preserved in a very special place in the temple. It is encased in seven golden caskets.

These golden caskets are engraved with precious gemstones. The casket represents a stupa which is the procession casket that is used during the Kandy Esala Perahera.