The Temple of Buddha's Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), built in the 17th century, is located in the Kandy city, which has long been the centre of Buddhism. It is believed, is believed to contain the upper left fang of the Buddha. This precious relic attracts pilgrims in white robes, carrying lotus and jasmine flowers, every day.
According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD in the hair of of Princess Hemamali, who was fleeing from a Hindu army besieging her father's kingdom of her father's kingdom in India. The tooth immediately became an object of worship and veneration, it came to be considered one of the most precious relics. It was only taken out 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 removed to Kandy, the tooth was taken there; it was placed in a temple built in its honour. The temple was built by the rulers of Kandy between 1687 and 1707, but was then badly damaged during the colonial wars against the Portuguese and Dutch in the 18th century. After the war, the original wooden structures were rebuilt in stone. In January 1998, Hindu-Tamil separatists blew up the temple, damaging its facade and roof. Reconstruction began immediately afterwards.
The temple buildings do not look magnificent or ornate. White with red roofs, they are clustered around the Kandy lake. A striking contrast to the simple exterior is the interior of the temple, richly decorated with carvings and wood, ivory, and lacquer inlays.
Surrounding the entire complex is a low white stone wall, with delicately carved with holes carved into it. During celebrations, candles are inserted there, illuminating the entire temple. The tooth is housed in a two-storey sacred vault. The relic rests on a golden lotus flower encased in a jewelled box resting on the throne.
The temple was also joined by a tower, built in 1803 and which was originally a prison. It now houses a collection of manuscripts on palm leaves. palm leaves. The palace of the king has also been annexed to the temple.
