Temple of the Tooth Relic

The majority religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism, even though Siddhartha Buddha was from India. The veneration is so strong that all over the land, shrines, temples and Bo Trees are a frequent sight. Nevertheless, among these certain cities and worship places demand special attention and pilgrimage. Of them the foremost is the Temple of the Tooth Relic in the heart of the hill capital, Kandy. Its fame is due to the belief that a tooth relic of the venerated leader is preserved there in and exposed on special days of events annually.

During the Perahera season where for about 10 days or more the annual processions of ornately costumed elephants accompanied by traditional dancers and drummers thousands of devotees gather in tis capital to view the pageant which was in tits inception was solely a cultural event but by and by religion took prominence. Thus the Temple of Tooth Relic is a centre stage for all the pageantry.

Nevertheless, the Temple sees devotees visit its premises to worship with flowers and lamps throughout the year evoking blessings according to their beliefs. Drum beat and blowing the conch shells are an inevitable accompaniments. The place is preserved as a sacred area but also provides facilities for tourists’ interests as well. The walls within are full of Kandyan era paintings and frescoes that would attract many a visitor.