Exploring Kandy's Sacred Heart: My Spiritual Journey to the Majestic Temple of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka's Hill Capital

Introduction – A Sacred Destination I Always Dreamed of Visiting

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka, had been on my travel wish list for years. Locally called Sri Dalada Mali Gawa, this UNESCI World Heritage Site claims to house the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most respected Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world.

Finally, being able to experience this sacred site with my eyes was one of the most poignant elements of my recent trip to the land of Buddha, the island of Sri Lanka.

The Journey to Kandy – Through Sri Lanka's Scenic Hills

I began my trip from Colombo via train, which I highly recommend. The train journey to Kandy is a beautiful journey in itself: through luscious tea plantations, misty hills, and small villages that appear to be like a picture in a postcard.

The train was perfect: Then I arrived in Kandy and was hit with the crisp, cool hill air. With its vintage colonial buildings and noisy markets, the place had a laid-back charm, and let's not forget Kandy Lake, its serene centerpiece.

First Impressions of Kandy – A Blend of Tradition and Life

Kandy was a blend of cultural spirit and liveliness. Street vendors sold fresh and colorful tropical fruits. Monks in saffron robes were going about their day, and tuk-tuks zipped up and down the hills; there stood in the backdrop green hills that made everything breathtakingly beautiful.

     I checked into a compact heritage hotel, a stone's throw away from the temple. I could hear the rhythmic drumbeats coming from far across the road as soon as I hauled my luggage up to the balcony, and I knew this would be unforgettable.

Entering into the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – Sense of Sacredness

The temple is located right near Kandy Lake; when approaching it, I got a sight to the octagonal Paththirippuwa tower, and reflected on the white-washed walls of sepulchre treble without a word.

It draws a long line of admirers who have visited with a keen interest in knowing what's inside the temple walls and surroundings. Once being there, until you have reached the innermost part of the precinct, please keep your shoulders and knees covered. Take care to remove your shoes, and then the very atmosphere laden with jasmine scent will heal you of an anxiety that prevailed before.

The Puja Ceremony – The Rhythms of Devotion

My visit was also timed with the evening puja, wherein the drummers maintained unwavering rhythms throughout, hymned along by chanting monks. Pilgrims presented lotus flowers.

Visitors can queue to see the chamber where the sacred relic is kept. The relic is never actually seen, but rather concealed within a golden casket, which is made to resemble a stupa. Even studiously unreligious visitors were drawn in the atmosphere of devotion for a moment.

The Sacred Tooth Relic – History and Legend

Legend always has it that in 4th-century Sri Lanka, the tooth relic arrived from India with Princess Hemamali, hidden inside her plait so that the tooth relic was saved from invaders. This relic reached the present capital of the hill region, Kandy, in central Ceylon, and has been protected ever since.

This relic thus held the weight of life; regardless of an individual's personal Buddhist beliefs about the efficacy of relics, the ancient kings knew that those in possession have the right to rule over the entire island.

Temple Architecture – Fusion of Art and Spirituality

The Temple of the Tooth is not a mere religious building; it's a fine architectural feat of Kandyan architecture. Detailed carvings on wooden pillars, gilded roofs, and stone inscriptions serve to tell the tales of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.

The interiors depict the Story of the Buddha, battles, and processions in their wall paintings. The depiction of the moonstone steps and the lotus carvings so delicately executed are themselves pieces of clever art.

Kandy Esala Perahera – A Cultural Spectacle

Although I did not see the world-famous Esala Perahera, all of the locals there were more than happy to tell me all about it. Held in either July or August, this annual event is one of the most spectacular Buddhist processions anywhere, featuring traditional dancers, fire-walkers, and elaborately garbed elephants carrying the tooth relic casket through the streets of Kandy.

That tradition is centuries old and draws crowds of tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all walks.

Spiritual Vibes Around Kandy Lake

After exiting the temple, I leisurely walked around Kandy Lake. The lake, built back in 1807, was charming and made a great place to sit and reflect in peace. Locals were seated at the benches and enjoyed their conversations, while some children near the banks fed fish in the lake. Here and there I saw beautiful herons wading in the water.

At sunset, especially, the reflection of the temple in the lake just seems magical when all the lights have come on.

Exploring the Kandy Market – Culture Through Flavors

A brisk walk away from the temple is Kandy Market, where you can delight in shopping among street-food stalls, fresh fruit vendors, and stores selling handmade souvenirs. Also, you could not resist tasting a cup of Ceylon tea and sweet kavums.

As a memento for my visit, I bought a wooden carved lotus.

10 Tips for Visiting the Tooth Relic Temple

Arrive during puja times (early morning, noon, or evening) for the best experience.

Ø Dress modestly-cover shoulders and knees.

Ø Prepare to remove shoes before entering.

Ø Footage is allowed in some areas but not the relic chamber.

Ø Carry water; it can really warm up during the day.

Ø If going there in July/August, do consider the Esala Perahera stampede.

Conclusion-A Journey of Spirit

Visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic became more than mere sightseeing; it was a communion with Sri Lanka's heart of spirituality and history. The very ambiance of sanctity, interspersed with cultural vibrancy and architectural brilliance, was moving.

        That evening, as I departed from Kandy and watched the temple lights fade from view, I felt a sense of quiet gratitude for having experienced such a timeless place of worship.

 

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