Temple of the Tooth

Temple of the Tooth: A Sacred Gem in the Heart of Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Tooth is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka. The temple is considered one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka and is home to the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Visitors can take a guided tour of the temple and see the beautiful artwork and architecture. The temple is also home to several important historical landmarks and works of art.

Location:

The Temple of the Tooth is situated in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which lies in the central province of Sri Lanka. It is approximately 116 km from Colombo and can be reached by car, train, or bus.

Hours of Operation:

The Temple of the Tooth is open daily for visitors. Pooja rituals take place three times a day, and visitors are allowed to enter during specific times: morning (5:30 am to 7:00 am), midday (9:30 am to 11:00 am), and evening (6:30 pm to 8:00 pm).

Admission Fees:

Admission fees for the Temple of the Tooth are $10 for foreign tourists, while Sri Lankan citizens and children under the age of 12 are admitted free of charge.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit the Temple of the Tooth is during the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, which usually takes place in July or August. This colorful and lively festival is a spectacular display of Sri Lankan culture, featuring traditional dancers, musicians, and elaborately decorated elephants.

Accommodation:

There is a wide range of accommodation options available near the Temple of the Tooth, including hotels, guesthouses, and homestays. Visitors can choose from budget-friendly options or more luxurious accommodations, depending on their preferences.

Tips for Visitors:

When visiting the Temple of the Tooth, visitors should wear modest clothing, covering their shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering the temple, and it is recommended to bring a pair of socks floor can be hot. Photography is not allowed inside the main shrine room, and visitors should be respectful of worshippers and maintain a quiet atmosphere within the temple complex.

Sustainable Tourism:

Sustainable tourism plays a crucial role in preserving the Temple of the Tooth and its surroundings. Visitors are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact and respect the cultural and religious significance of the site.

Tours and Activities:

There are several tours and activities available at the Temple of the Tooth, including guided tours, traditional cultural performances, and visits to nearby attractions such as the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Kandy Lake.

Accessibility:

The Temple of the Tooth is accessible by car, train, or bus. However, visitors with disabilities should be aware that there may be steps and uneven surfaces within the temple complex, which could present challenges for those with mobility issues.

Respect for Culture:

Visitors to the Temple of the Tooth are reminded to respect the cultural and religious significance of the site. This includes following appropriate dress codes, removing shoes before entering the temple complex, and being mindful of the religious practices that take place within the temple.

Review:

The Temple of the Tooth has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Many people have praised the beauty, serenity, and historical significance of the temple, as well as the opportunity to witness traditional rituals and ceremonies. Some visitors have noted that the temple can become quite crowded during peak times, so it may be advisable to plan your visit accordingly.

Things to Do and See:

There are numerous things to do and see while visiting the Temple of the Tooth. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Explore the Temple Complex: The Temple of the Tooth features several buildings and structures, each with its own unique features and attractions. Be sure to visit the main shrine room, the Audience Hall, and the Royal Palace to fully appreciate the site’s history and architecture.
2. Witness the Pooja Rituals: During the three daily pooja rituals, visitors can observe traditional offerings of flowers, incense, and lamps made to the sacred tooth relic. This is a unique opportunity to experience an important aspect of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.
3. Admire the Art and Architecture: The Temple of the Tooth is known for its exquisite art and architecture, featuring intricate carvings, beautiful frescoes, and ornate decorations. Take the time to appreciate these artistic elements throughout the temple complex.
4. Visit the Temple Museum: The Temple of the Tooth has a museum that showcases various artifacts and relics associated with the temple’s history and the sacred tooth relic. A visit to the museum is an excellent way to learn more about the temple’s significance and past.
5. Attend the Kandy Esala Perahera: If your visit coincides with the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, be sure not to miss this spectacular event, which features traditional music, dance, and elaborately decorated elephants parading through the streets of Kandy.
6. Explore Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit to the Temple of the Tooth with other nearby attractions, such as the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Kandy Lake, and the Udawattakele Sanctuary.

Conclusion:

The Temple of the Tooth is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka. Its rich history, beautiful architecture, and spiritual significance make it a unique and unforgettable experience. Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the temple complex and soaking in the atmosphere of this sacred site. Whether you are interested in history, art, or spirituality, the Temple of the Tooth has something to offer everyone.

Categories

• Cultural
• Historical

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Location

Google Reviews

• 
  Manolis Lekkas

  5 months ago

  A beautiful Buddhist temple, definitely worth visiting while in Kandy. If you visit afternoon (like after 6:00pm) you will have the chance to observe the ritual evening ceremony (just be prepared for loud, long-lasting music). Entrance fee: 2,000 LKR.

• 
  Sakshi Patel

  a month ago

  The Temple of the Tooth Museum, also known as the Sri Dalada Museum, is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is situated within the precincts of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most significant religious sites for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is believed to house a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, and it is an essential pilgrimage site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tooth relic is kept in a gold casket, which is stored within multiple nested boxes to protect it. The museum is dedicated to showcasing historical and cultural artifacts related to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and the country's rich heritage. Visitors can explore a vast collection of exhibits, including ancient artifacts, traditional items, religious objects, historical documents, and artworks. The museum provides insight into the history of the temple, the rituals and ceremonies associated with the sacred tooth relic, as well as the impact of Buddhism on Sri Lankan culture and society. It offers visitors a chance to deepen their understanding of Buddhism and its significance in Sri Lanka's past and present. Visiting the Temple of the Tooth Museum allows individuals to appreciate the religious and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka and to witness the profound reverence that the country holds for the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. If you plan to visit the museum, it is advisable to check the opening hours and any specific guidelines for visitors before your trip. Here are some additional details: Architecture: The museum building itself is a well-maintained colonial-era structure with a classic architectural style, showcasing the influence of British design during their colonial rule in Sri Lanka. The elegant architecture adds to the overall charm of the museum and enhances the visitor's experience. Artifact Collections: The exhibits in the museum encompass a wide range of historical artifacts, some of which date back several centuries. These artifacts include ancient scriptures, royal regalia, traditional costumes, intricate jewelry, ancient weapons, religious artwork, and various offerings made to the tooth relic over the years. Sacred Processions: The museum often displays information about the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of Sri Lanka's most grandiose and colorful festivals. The Esala Perahera is an annual procession that parades the sacred tooth relic around the city of Kandy, attracting thousands of locals and tourists alike. Preservation Efforts: The museum plays a crucial role in the preservation and conservation of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. By showcasing and protecting these invaluable artifacts, the museum helps to safeguard the nation's history and ensure that future generations can also appreciate and learn from it. Temple Complex: The museum is conveniently located within the larger Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic complex. Visitors to the museum can also explore the temple grounds, witness traditional Buddhist rituals, and experience the serene and spiritual atmosphere that surrounds the temple. Cultural Insight: The museum offers valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the Temple of the Tooth and Buddhism in Sri Lanka. It is an ideal place for those interested in delving deeper into the country's religious and cultural practices. Souvenir Shop: The museum may have a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase various mementos, religious items, and handicrafts as souvenirs to remember their visit to the Temple of the Tooth Museum. (Note): Moreover, this temple do have gold idol of lord buddha, which was gifted by Mr. Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India). please do watch the beautiful idol of lord buddha. Overall, the place and experience was wonderful.

• 
  Golf Golf

  a week ago

  A Sacred Site, guarded with tight security. Crowded during Perahera celebrations

• 
  Adam Fedorciow

  4 months ago

  Went there at 6:30pm for the ceremony after the dance show up the road. Was very crowded and didn’t see much. Stayed for around 20 minutes then left. Was disappointed.

• 
  Ajit Sawant

  3 months ago

  It’s a must visit place wherein the sacred tooth relic of lord Buddha is kept and revered . It also shows how it was bought from Kalinga Orissa to Sri Lanka and kept secured and respected