10 Things to Do at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It is located in the city of Kandy and is home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, which is believed to bring great spiritual power and protection to the country. The temple is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of activities for visitors to explore. Here are 10 things to do at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
1. Visit the Sacred Tooth Relic
The most important thing to do at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is to visit the sacred tooth relic. The relic is kept in a special shrine in the temple and is only revealed to the public twice a year, during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival. Visitors can also pay their respects to the relic by offering flowers, incense, and other gifts.
2. Explore the Temple Complex
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is part of a larger complex of shrines and buildings, which includes the Royal Palace and several other temples. Visitors can explore the complex and admire the intricate architecture and detailed carvings of the buildings.
3. Attend a Puja Ceremony
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a popular site for Buddhist ceremonies and rituals. Visitors can observe a Puja ceremony, which is a traditional prayer ritual that involves chanting, offerings, and the burning of incense.
4. Take a Tour of the Museum
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic also houses a museum, which contains a variety of Buddhist artifacts and artifacts related to the temple’s history. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum to learn more about the temple and its significance.
5. Visit the Golden Roof
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is also home to the Golden Roof, a beautiful golden roof that was built to protect the sacred tooth relic. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings and designs of the roof from the outside of the temple.
6. Attend a Cultural Performance
The temple complex also hosts a variety of cultural performances, such as traditional dance and music performances. Visitors can attend these performances to learn more about the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka.
7. Explore the Botanical Gardens
The temple complex is also home to a large botanical garden, which is home to a variety of tropical plants and trees. Visitors can explore the gardens and admire the beauty of the plants and trees.
8. Visit the Elephant Stables
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is also home to a number of elephant stables, which visitors can explore. The stables are home to a number of elephants, which visitors can observe and learn more about.
9. Take a Boat Ride
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located on the Mahaweli River, which offers a variety of boat rides for visitors to explore. Visitors can take a boat ride to admire the scenery of the river and the surrounding area.
10. Shop for Souvenirs
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is also home to a variety of souvenir shops, where visitors can purchase a variety of items such as jewelry, clothing, and other souvenirs. Visitors can also purchase traditional Sri Lankan snacks and drinks from the shops.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination for its spiritual significance and its variety of activities. Visitors can explore the temple complex, visit the sacred tooth relic, attend a Puja ceremony, take a boat ride, and shop for souvenirs. Whether you are a religious pilgrim or just looking for an interesting place to visit, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must-see destination in Kandy.