Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Why visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic?

It is a living place of worship. Pilgrims arrive with lotus flowers and offerings, drummers play during the daily ceremonies, and the atmosphere in the evening is unforgettable.

The complex also includes the old royal audience hall, museums and shrines, so there is plenty to see beyond the inner sanctum.

Top attractions and things to do

• Daily ceremonies (puja)

  Drumming and offerings take place several times a day, when the doors of the relic chamber open. The relic itself stays inside a golden casket.

• The octagonal pavilion

  The Pattirippuwa, a landmark tower on the temple's front facing the lake.

• Royal palace complex

  The audience hall and buildings of the last Kandyan kings around the temple.

• Museums

  Exhibits on the relic's history and the Kandyan kingdom within the complex.

• Kandy Lake

  A shaded walk around the lake in front of the temple.

The sacred relic

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Dalada Maligawa, enshrines what Buddhists revere as a tooth of the Buddha. According to tradition, the relic was smuggled into Sri Lanka from India in the fourth century AD, hidden in the hair of a princess.

Possession of the relic came to symbolise the right to rule, so it moved with the capital until it came to Kandy. The temple is part of the Sacred City of Kandy World Heritage Site.

Inside the temple

The complex includes the main shrine, the octagonal Pattirippuwa, the royal palace buildings, the audience hall and museums. The relic itself is kept inside a series of golden caskets and is not shown to the public, except on rare occasions.

Daily ceremonies, known as pujas, are held with drumming and offerings. They are the most atmospheric time to visit, but also the busiest.

The Esala Perahera

Each year, usually in July or August, Kandy hosts the Esala Perahera, a series of night processions with dancers, drummers, torch-bearers and elephants. One elephant carries a replica of the relic casket. Seats along the route are in demand, so plan early.

Visiting tips

Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes and hats at the entrance. White or light colours are traditional. Photography rules differ in parts of the temple, so watch for signs and be respectful of worshippers.

Planning your visit

Suggested time

Allow one to two hours. Many travellers time their visit for an evening ceremony and walk around the lake afterwards. (Guidance only.)

Best time to visit

Open year-round. Ceremony times draw the biggest crowds; quieter times are mid-morning and early afternoon. During the Esala Perahera (usually July or August) Kandy is extremely busy.

Getting there

The temple is in the centre of Kandy, next to the lake, within walking distance of most central hotels. Your driver can drop you at the entrance.

Check current details before travelling: prices, opening hours, access and seasonal conditions change.

Part of a visit to Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is usually visited as part of a stay in or near Kandy. Our Kandy guide covers where to stay, other sights and how long to spend there.

Visitor tips

• Cover shoulders and knees; white or light clothing is a respectful choice.
• Remove shoes and hats before entering. Socks help on hot or cold floors.
• Never pose for photos with your back to a Buddha image, and follow photography signs inside.
• Foreign visitors buy a ticket at the entrance; check the current arrangements on the day.
• Expect security checks at the entrance.

Experiences around Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Plan with our guides

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: frequently asked questions