Verified Sacred Cultural Heritage Record
Historical & Spiritual Significance
The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka houses the relic of the left canine tooth of the Buddha. The relic has great religious and political significance — historically, whoever held it was deemed the legitimate ruler of Sri Lanka. The temple is the site of the famous Esala Perahera — one of the grandest festivals in Asia, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Current Activities & Pilgrimage
Active temple and sacred relic site; daily ceremonies and offerings; annual Esala Perahera festival; major Theravada pilgrimage destination.