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Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa)

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description Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) Overview

The Temple of the Tooth, formally known as Dalada Maligawa, is a significant Buddhist shrine in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It houses what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha, making it a central pilgrimage site for Buddhists globally. The temple’s construction began in the 17th century and continues to serve as a place of worship and reverence for devotees seeking spiritual connection.

help Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) FAQ

What religious relic is housed in the Temple of the Tooth?

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses what is traditionally believed to be the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. It is considered the most sacred object of worship in the Buddhist faith for the people of Sri Lanka.

Where is the Dalada Maligawa temple located?

The shrine is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and remains a major cultural hub.

When was the Temple of the Tooth built?

While the relic was moved multiple times for safety, the current temple's construction in Kandy took place during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was built directly adjacent to the royal palace complex under the rule of the Kandyan kings to signify the relic's connection to the monarchy.

Can visitors actually see the Buddha's tooth at the temple?

No, the actual tooth relic is kept securely locked away inside a series of nested golden caskets within the inner sanctum. Visitors are allowed to view the shrine room and the outer caskets during specific daily puja ceremonies, but the tooth itself remains hidden from public view.

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