The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most sacred places for Buddhists worldwide and has a long and fascinating history. In this blog post, we will explore the temple's history, significance, mystique, legends, myths, and recent events associated with it.

History of the Temple

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was built in the 16th century by King Vimaladharmasuriya I, who ruled the Kandyan Kingdom. The temple was built to house the tooth relic of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka during the 4th century AD. The tooth relic was initially enshrined in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's ancient capital, and later moved to different locations for safety reasons.

The tooth relic was brought to Kandy in the 16th century, and the temple was built to house the relic. The temple complex originally consisted of several buildings, including a royal palace, a temple, and a shrine room. The temple complex was expanded over the years, and many kings added new buildings and made renovations to the existing ones.

Significance of the Temple

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the world. It is believed that the tooth relic of the Buddha has the power to bring blessings and prosperity to those who visit the temple. Many Buddhists from all over the world come to the temple to pay their respects and offer prayers.

The temple also serves as a symbol of Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage. The temple complex houses various artefacts including ancient manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures that reflect the country's history and traditions.

The Mystique of the Temple

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic has a certain mystique that draws people in. The temple is shrouded in mystery, and there are many legends and stories that surround it. One of the most famous legends is that of the white elephant, as mentioned earlier.

Another legend is that of the temple's construction. According to the legend, the king who built the temple received a divine message telling him where to locate the tooth relic. He discovered the relic in a dream and found it in the tusk of an elephant.

Recent Events

In recent years, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic has been associated with several controversies and events. In 2019, the temple was at the center of a dispute between two factions of Buddhist monks over the control of the temple. The dispute led to violent clashes and protests, and the government had to take measures to restore order.

The temple has also faced criticism for its treatment of elephants. The temple is home to several elephants that are used in processions and ceremonies. Animal rights activists have criticized the temple for mistreating the elephants and using them for commercial purposes. The temple authorities have responded to these criticisms by implementing new measures to ensure the elephants' welfare.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the temple, with the authorities imposing restrictions on visitors to prevent the spread of the virus. The temple was closed to foreign visitors for several months, and local visitors had to follow strict guidelines, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is an essential site for Buddhists and anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The temple's history, significance, mystique, legends, myths, and recent events make it a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the country. It is crucial to address the recent controversies surrounding the temple and work towards ensuring the preservation of this sacred site for future generations.