Kandy Temple of the Tooth, officially known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world and a symbol of Sri Lanka’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It is located in the historic city of Kandy, within the royal palace complex beside the scenic Kandy Lake.

The temple houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which has been venerated for centuries and is deeply connected to Sri Lanka’s history and kingship. According to tradition, whoever safeguarded the relic held the rightful authority to rule the country. The relic is kept in a series of golden caskets inside the inner shrine and is not visible to the public, but devotees gather daily to pay homage during the pooja ceremonies held in the morning, midday, and evening.

The architecture of the temple reflects classic Kandyan style, featuring carved wooden pillars, golden decorations, and intricate paintings that depict Buddhist stories and Sri Lankan history. One of the most important annual events associated with the temple is the Esala Perahera, a grand cultural procession featuring decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and torchbearers.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth continues to be a place of deep devotion, cultural pride, and pilgrimage, attracting both worshippers and visitors from around the world.