Sri Lanka
religious
The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka. Located in the hill city of Kandy, the temple houses a relic believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha. For centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and royal tradition, deeply tied to the country’s religious and political history.
The temple is often included in Sri Lanka tour packages that trace the island’s spiritual and historical heart rather than just its coastline. A visit here feels less like sightseeing and more like quietly observing faith practised in everyday life.
Entry Fee: AED 23 per person
Day Wise Timings
Maps & Location
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Essential Information
Point of Interest for Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The Sacred Relic Chamber
The inner shrine where the relic is kept, viewed during ritual hours and controlled ceremonial movement.
Temple Architecture Details
Carved doors, gilded roofs, and Kandyan-era design elements reflecting royal craftsmanship and religious symbolism.
Drum Courtyard
An open area where traditional drummers perform during ceremonies, creating a rhythmic atmosphere tied to temple rituals.
Kandy Lake Views
Surrounding walkways offer calm views of the lake, often used by visitors to pause quietly after temple visits.
Many Buddhists believe the relic is authentic, preserved since Buddha’s cremation, though historians view it as a sacred symbol representing faith rather than verifiable physical proof.
The relic believed to be Buddha’s left canine tooth is enshrined inside the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, kept within a series of ornate golden caskets.
The temple is special because it combines religious devotion, royal history, and national identity, with the relic traditionally symbolising the right to rule Sri Lanka.
Stories about the tooth growing are symbolic beliefs within Buddhist tradition, reflecting spiritual power rather than physical or biological change.
Yes, visitors of all backgrounds are welcome, provided they dress modestly, respect temple customs, and understand that it remains an active place of worship.
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4.9
Freja Nilsson
Reviewed: Nov 02, 2025Oliver Grant
Reviewed: Oct 29, 2025
