The Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic is located right in the heart of Kandy in Sri Lanka. It is next to a man-made lake named Kiri Muhuda meaning Milk Sea in Sinhala. At the back of the Temple complex is the tall green woods of Udawattakele forest Sanctuary.  This is a very sacred place and is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of Buddha himself. 

Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The temple buildings are mainly white with red roofs and are surrounded by a wave-like decorative low white wall.  The Temple is well protected and I have to pass through two security check points.  Before getting into the Temple complex, I have to take off my shoes as well. 

Exterior of Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The  interior of the Temple is beautifully decorated.  To enter into the Temple Central Square, I have to pass through this corridor which is covered with beautiful local paintings.

Corridor of Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The relic of the tooth is kept in a two-story inner shrine fronted by two large elephant tusks. The relic rests on a solid gold lotus flower, encased in jeweled caskets that sit on a throne.

Tooth Sanctuary, Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic

Next to this sanctuary, there is also a Temple where a Buddha statue is located.  The Temple is also decorated with local architectural features.

Temple with Buddha Statue, Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic

This is a view of the opposite side of the Temple.  Did you notice anything particular about the columns?

Interior of Temple with Buddha Statue

I have a closer view of the head of the column.  Here, you can see more clearly that there is a golden elephant decoration, a special Sri Lankan feature.

Elephant Decoration at Column Head, Temple with Buddha Statue

Even the ceiling is elaborately decorated and it seems to grow out from the columns.

Ceiling of Temple with Buddha Statue

The tooth relic is removed from its shrine only once a year, during the Esala Perahera Festival, a 10-day torchlight parade of dancers, drummers and ornately decorated elephants. I am not visiting Sri Lanka during this festival but a mural in this Temple illustrates the magificent scene.

Elephant Parade Mural in Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic

I have to queue up for quite a long time to see the tooth relic and so is is already dark when I leave the Temple.  As a result, I can also show you the night view of this magnificent place.

Night View of Holy Temple of the Tooth Relic