Sri Dalada Maligawa

Buddhist temple · Gangawata Korale

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Buddhist temple · Gangawata Korale

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Highlights

Sacred Buddhist temple housing Buddha's tooth relic, ornate architecture

Kandy, Sri Lanka Get directions

sridaladamaligawa.lk

@atlasobscura

The Ultimate Guide to Scattered Body Parts

"Located in the appropriately-named-to-Western-ears town of Kandy in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth offers some sweet Eastern architecture surrounding a religious relic. According to local tradition, the Buddha’s tooth was given to the Sri Lankan monarchy in ancient times. Whoever holds the relic is said to hold the governance of the country. The tooth was passed around through various kings and holy men who hid, moved, and relocated the sacred relic across centuries. Now the tooth is housed in a dedicated temple inside the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy. Worshipers can visit the relic, which is held in a golden stupa inside the two-story shrine. The relic is encased in seven golden caskets which are engraved and inlaid with precious gemstones. Although parts of the shrine were destroyed and rebuilt over the years in various bombings and acts of war, the building still retains its opulent style of gold and moonstone, surrounded by Buddhist carvings and offerings. This piece of peace may be small, but the Temple of the Tooth makes it seem as important as the Buddha himself." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

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View Postcard for Sri Dalada Maligawa

Heshan Gunathilaka

Google

The Buddhists people for most valuable Temple is this Sacred Tooth Relic. 🛑It is perfect for white colour Modest clothes for women and men's. 🛑You can't bring any weapon, lighter, or drugs. Before you enter the Temple you have to pass the two secret point. 🛑 You can you put your slippers before pass second checkpoint it has shoes. Keep in place with security

Asitha Sampath

Google

Sri Dalada Maligawa is a sacred and peaceful place, filled with cultural and spiritual value. The temple is beautifully maintained and offers a calm environment for worshippers and visitors. It is truly an unforgettable experience that reflects the rich heritage of Sri Lanka. I highly recommend visiting this holy site.

Chamod Kavishka

Google

Visited on a weekday evening, so I could see the place in day light as well as night light. So calming. You will have to dress modestly to enter.

MagicalBechi

Google

Big temple of the tooth. It takes a few ours to see all of you include the museum. Lots of people but is clean. You have to take your shoes off before going in and leave them in security. If you a foreigner your ticket is higher but it includes the museum. Make sure to go in the afternoon when they open the sacred room where the tooth is.

Tiffany Wong

Google

A must visit Buddhist temple if you visit Kandy! It is called The Temple of The Tooth and it is the most significant sacred Buddhist monument. It is just like having a live history lesson there. The Buddhist statues, jewelries, the architecture were very impressive ! The daily rituals (Pooja Ceremony )performed for the Sacred Tooth Relic was fantastic. I watched the 9.30 am one.

Eranga Edirisinghe

Google

This is a sacred and culturally important place for Buddhists, and it's also a popular tourist destination. The peaceful atmosphere and spiritual significance make it a memorable experience. You may even see tamed elephants nearby, which adds to the charm. If you visit in August, don’t miss the Esala Perahera—a grand cultural procession with traditional dances, music, and beautifully decorated elephants. It's a unique event that reflects Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. There are many nearby attractions worth exploring, making this a great spot for cultural and spiritual visits. However, the area could benefit from better cleanliness and upgraded toilet facilities. Improving these would enhance the overall experience for visitors. Still, it's a must-visit location.

Jbalaji Avm

Google

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy is a truly special place, filled with peace, devotion, and history. The temple is beautifully maintained with stunning Kandyan architecture, detailed carvings, and a serene atmosphere beside Kandy Lake. Attending the daily rituals is a memorable experience, and the museum provides deep insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. This is not just a tourist attraction but a spiritual and cultural landmark of great importance. The surroundings are clean, the staff are respectful, and the whole place radiates calmness. A must-visit in Kandy for anyone who wants to experience both history and spirituality in one place.

Dr Hasara

Google

Visiting the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy was a truly special experience. The atmosphere inside the temple is incredibly serene, and there's a strong sense of spirituality and reverence that surrounds the entire place. The architecture is beautiful and rich with history, and I was in awe of how well everything is preserved. Seeing the Sacred Tooth Relic, even from a distance, felt like a once-in-a-lifetime moment. The rituals and offerings were fascinating to witness, and I appreciated how the temple maintains its traditions so gracefully. The scent of incense, the sound of drums during the pooja, and the soft chants made the whole experience very calming. It does get quite crowded during the main pooja times, but that just shows how important this place is to so many people. I’d recommend going early in the morning or late evening for a quieter experience. Overall, a visit to Dalada Maligawa is not just a sightseeing stop – it’s a journey into the heart of Sri Lanka’s culture, history, and spirituality. Definitely a must-visit in Kandy