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{{Short description|Temple complex in Kandy, Sri Lanka}}
{{Use DMY dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Use DMY dates|date=April 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2021}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2021}}
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{{Short description|Temple complex in Sri Lanka}}
{{Infobox religious building
{{Infobox religious building
| name = Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
| name = Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
| native_name = {{flatlist|
| native_name = {{flatlist|
*{{lang|si|ශ්‍රී දළදා මාළිගාව}}
*{{lang|si|ශ්‍රී දළදා මාලිගාව}}
{{lang|ta|தலதா மாளிகை}}
{{lang|ta|தலதா மாளிகை}}
}}
}}
| image = SL Kandy asv2020-01 img33 Sacred Tooth Temple.jpg
| image = SL Kandy asv2020-01 img33 Sacred Tooth Temple.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a [[World Heritage Site]] in [[Kandy]]
| caption = Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a [[World Heritage Site]] in [[Kandy]]
| map_type = Sri Lanka
| map_type = Sri Lanka
| map_size =
| map_size =
| map_alt =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| location = [[Kandy]]
| location = [[Kandy]]
| coordinates = {{coord|7|17|38|N|80|38|19|E|region:LK_type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
| coordinates = {{Coord|7.29361|80.64131|region:LK_type:landmark|display=inline, title}}
| religious_affiliation = [[Buddhism]]
| religious_affiliation = [[Buddhism]]
| deity =
| deity =
| country = [[Sri Lanka]]
| country = [[Sri Lanka]]
| functional_status =
| functional_status =
| website = http://www.sridaladamaligawa.lk
| website = [https://www.sridaladamaligawa.lk Sri Dalada Maligawa]
| founded_by = [[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy]]
| founded_by = [[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy]]
| year_completed = 1595
| year_completed = 1595
| designation1 = World Heritage Site
| designation1 = World Heritage Site
| delisted1_date =
| delisted1_date =
| designation1_offname =
| designation1_offname =
| designation1_type = Cultural
| designation1_type = Cultural
| designation1_criteria = (iv)(vi)
| designation1_criteria = (iv)(vi)
| designation1_date = 1988
| designation1_date = 1988
| designation1_parent =
| designation1_parent =
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/450 450]
| designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/450 450]
| designation1_free1name =
| designation1_free1name =
| designation1_free1value =
| designation1_free1value =
| designation1_free2name =
| designation1_free2name =
| designation1_free2value =
| designation1_free2value =
| designation1_free3name =
| designation1_free3name =
| designation1_free3value =
| designation1_free3value =
}}
}}


The '''Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic''' or '''Sri Dalada Maligawa''',{{efn|{{lang|si|පූජනීය දත් ධාතු මන්දිරය}}, ''pūjanīya dat dhātu mandiraya''}} commonly known as the '''Glorious Tooth Temple''' ({{lang|si|ශ්‍රී දළදා මාළිගාව}}), is a [[Theravada Buddhism|Buddhist]] temple in [[Kandy]], [[Sri Lanka]]. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former [[Kingdom of Kandy]], which houses the [[relic of the tooth of the Buddha]]. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by [[Sinhalese monarchy|Sinhalese kings]]. The temple of the tooth is a [[World Heritage Site]] mainly due to the temple and the relic.
'''Sri Dalada Maligawa'''{{efn|{{lang|si|පූජනීය දත් ධාතු මන්දිරය}} ''pūjanīya dat dhātu mandiraya''}}, commonly known in English as the '''Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic''', is a [[Theravada Buddhism|Buddhist]] temple in [[Kandy]], [[Sri Lanka]]. It is located in the [[Royal Palace Complex of Kandy|Royal Palace Complex]] of the former [[Kingdom of Kandy]], which houses the [[relic of the tooth of the Buddha]]. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by [[Sinhalese monarchy|Sinhalese kings]]. The temple of the tooth is a [[World Heritage Site]] mainly due to the temple and the relic.


[[Bhikkhu]]s of the two particular chapters, the [[Malwathu Maha Viharaya|Malwathu chapters]] and [[Asgiri Maha Viharaya|Asgiri chapters]], conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called ''Nanumura Mangallaya''; this holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed to those present.
[[Bhikkhu]]s of the two particular chapters, the [[Malwathu Maha Viharaya|Malwathu chapters]] and [[Asgiri Maha Viharaya|Asgiri chapters]], conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called ''Nanumura Mangallaya''; this holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed to those present.
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[[File:Princess Hemamali & Prince Dantha.JPG|upright|thumb|left|Wall painting at [[Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara|Kelaniya Temple]] of Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha which she carried Gautama Buddha's tooth relic hidden in her hair to Sri Lanka. - Painting by [[Solias Mendis]]]]
[[File:Princess Hemamali & Prince Dantha.JPG|upright|thumb|left|Wall painting at [[Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara|Kelaniya Temple]] of Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha which she carried Gautama Buddha's tooth relic hidden in her hair to Sri Lanka. - Painting by [[Solias Mendis]]]]


After the ''Maha parinirvana'' of [[Gautama Buddha]], according to the legend, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha|tooth relic]] was preserved in [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|Kalinga]] and smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guhasiva.<ref name="abey p. 25" >{{harvnb|Abeywardena 2004|page=25}}</ref> Hemmamali hid the relic in her hair on the way to the island. They landed on the island in Lankapattana during the reign of [[Sirimeghavanna of Anuradhapura]] (301-328) and handed over the tooth relic. The king enshrined it in ''Meghagiri Vihara'' (present day [[Isurumuniya]]) in [[Anuradhapura]]. Safeguarding the relic was the responsibility of the monarch from then, therefore over the years, the custodianship of relic came to symbolize the right to rule the island. Therefore, reigning monarchs built the tooth relic temples quite close to their royal residences, as was the case during the times of the [[Anuradhapura Kingdom]], [[Kingdom of Polonnaruwa]], and [[Kingdom of Dambadeniya]]. During the era of the [[Kingdom of Gampola]], the relic was housed in ''Niyamgampaya Vihara''. It is reported in the messenger poems such as ''[[Hamsa-Sandesha|Hamsa]]'', ''Gira'', and ''Selalihini'' that the temple of tooth relic was situated within the city of [[Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte]] when the [[Kingdom of Kotte]] was established there.<ref name="abey p. 25" />{{sfn|Brockman|page=561}}
After the ''Maha parinirvana'' of [[Gautama Buddha]], according to the legend, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha|tooth relic]] was preserved in [[Kalinga (historical kingdom)|Kalinga]] and smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guhasiva.<ref name="abey p. 25" >{{harvnb|Abeywardena|2004|page=25}}</ref> Hemmamali hid the relic in her hair on the way to the island. They landed on the island in Lankapattana during the reign of [[Sirimeghavanna of Anuradhapura]] (301-328) and handed over the tooth relic. The king enshrined it in ''Meghagiri Vihara'' (present day [[Isurumuniya]]) in [[Anuradhapura]]. Safeguarding the relic was the responsibility of the monarch from then, therefore over the years, the custodianship of the relic came to symbolize the right to rule the island. Therefore, reigning monarchs built the tooth relic temples quite close to their royal residences, as was the case during the times of the [[Anuradhapura Kingdom]], [[Kingdom of Polonnaruwa]], and [[Kingdom of Dambadeniya]]. During the era of the [[Kingdom of Gampola]], the relic was housed in ''Niyamgampaya Vihara''. It is reported in the messenger poems such as ''[[Hamsa-Sandesha|Hamsa]]'', ''Gira'', and ''Selalihini'' that the temple of tooth relic was situated within the city of [[Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte]] when the [[Kingdom of Kotte]] was established there.<ref name="abey p. 25" />{{sfn|Brockman|2011|page=561}}
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[[File:Patthirippua At Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy Srilanka.jpg|thumb|The Paththirippuwa, as seen from the front]]

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During the reign of [[Dharmapala of Kotte]], the relic was moved and was hidden in Delgamuwa Vihara, [[Ratnapura]], in a grinding stone.<ref name="abey p. 25" /> It was brought to Kandy by Hiripitiye Diyawadana Rala and Devanagala Rathnalankara Thera. King [[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy|Vimaladharmasuriya I]] built a two-storey building to deposit the tooth relic and the building is now gone.<ref>{{harvnb|Seneviratna|1989|pp=90—91}}</ref> In 1603 when the [[Portuguese kingdom]] invaded Kandy, it was carried to Meda Mahanuwara in Dumbara. It was recovered in the time of [[Rajasinha II of Kandy|Rajasinha II]] and it has been reported that he reinstated the original building or built a new temple.<ref name="abey p. 25" /> The present-day temple of the tooth was built by [[Vira Narendra Sinha of Kandy|Vira Narendra Sinha]].<ref name="Senevi p. 92" >{{harvnb|Seneviratna|1989|page=92}}</ref> The octagonal ''[[Paththirippuwa]]'' and [[moat]] were added during the reign of [[Sri Vikrama Rajasinha of Kandy|Sri Vikrama Rajasinha]]. The royal architect Devendra Moolacharya is credited with building the ''Paththirippuwa''. Originally it was used by the king for recreational activities and later it was offered to the tooth relic, it now houses the temple's library.
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[[File:Patthirippua At Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy Srilanka.jpg|right|thumb|Paththirippuwa]]

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During the reign of [[Dharmapala of Kotte]], the relic was moved and was hidden in Delgamuwa Vihara, [[Ratnapura]], in a grinding stone.<ref name="abey p. 25" /> It was brought to Kandy by Hiripitiye Diyawadana Rala and Devanagala Rathnalankara Thera. King [[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy|Vimaladharmasuriya I]] built a two-storey building to deposit the tooth relic and the building is now gone.<ref>{{harvnb|Seneviratna 1989|page=90—1}}</ref> In 1603 when the [[Portuguese kingdom]] invaded Kandy, it was carried to Meda Mahanuwara in Dumbara. It was recovered in the time of [[Rajasinha II of Kandy|Rajasinha II]] and it has been reported that he reinstated the original building or built a new temple.<ref name="abey p. 25" /> The present-day temple of the tooth was built by [[Vira Narendra Sinha of Kandy|Vira Narendra Sinha]].<ref name="Senevi p. 92" >{{harvnb|Seneviratna 1989|page=92}}</ref> The octagonal ''[[Paththirippuwa]]'' and [[moat]] were added during the reign of [[Sri Vikrama Rajasinha of Kandy|Sri Vikrama Rajasinha]]. The royal architect Devendra Moolacharya is credited with building the ''Paththirippuwa''. Originally it was used by the king for recreational activities and later it was offered to the tooth relic, it now houses the temple's library.


===Attacks on the building===
===Attacks on the building===
{{main|1998 Temple of the Tooth attack}}
The temple was attacked in [[1989 Temple of the Tooth attack|1989]] by the militant organisation [[Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna]] (JVP); it had the intention of capturing the relic.<ref name="leader2">{{cite interview | url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/archive/20011202/interviews.htm | title=I was a member of the JVP team that attacked the Dalada Maligawa | publisher=[[The Sunday Leader]] | date=2 December 2001 | access-date=9 April 2012 | last= Wickrematunge|first= Raine | location=Colombo}}</ref> And in [[1998 Temple of the Tooth attack|1998]] by the militant organisation [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE); this attack damaged the front side of the royal palace.
The temple was attacked in [[1989 Temple of the Tooth attack|1989]] by the militant organisation [[Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna]] (JVP); it had the intention of capturing the relic.<ref name="leader2">{{cite interview | url=http://www.thesundayleader.lk/archive/20011202/interviews.htm | title=I was a member of the JVP team that attacked the Dalada Maligawa | publisher=[[The Sunday Leader]] | date=2 December 2001 | access-date=9 April 2012 | last= Wickrematunge|first= Raine | location=Colombo}}</ref> And in [[1998 Temple of the Tooth attack|1998]] by the militant organisation [[Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam]] (LTTE); this attack damaged the front side of the royal palace.


== Architecture ==
== Architecture ==
[[File:Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka.jpg|thumb|Inside the Temple of the Tooth]]
[[File:SL Kandy asv2020-01 img38 Sacred Tooth Temple.jpg|thumb|Inside the Temple of the Tooth]]


The brick wall which runs along the moat and the Bogambara lake is known as the water waves wall.<ref name="Senevi p. 92" /> Holes in this wall are built to light coconut oil lamps. The main entrance gate which lies over the moat is called ''Mahawahalkada''. At the foot of ''Mahawahalkada'' steps, there is a ''[[Sandakada pahana]]'' (moonstone) which is carved in Kandyan architectural style. ''Mahawahalkada'' was totally destroyed in a 1998 bomb blast and rebuilt afterwards along with ''Sandakada pahana'' other [[stone carving]]s.<ref name="ReferenceA">[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 28</ref> Elephants are depicted in stone on either side of the entrance. A ''[[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]]'' ''[[Torana]]'' and two guardian stones are placed on top of the staircase. The''Hewisi'' drummers' chamber is situated in front of the main shrine. The two storeys of the main shrine are known as "Palle malaya" (lower floor) and "Udu malaya" (upper floor) or "Weda hitina maligawa".<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 93</ref> The doors of the ''Weda Hitana Maligawa'' are [[Ivory carving]]s. The actual chamber in which the tooth relic is kept is known as the "Handun kunama".
The brick wall which runs along the moat and the Bogambara lake is known as the water waves wall.<ref name="Senevi p. 92" /> Holes in this wall are built to light coconut oil lamps. The main entrance gate which lies over the moat is called ''Mahawahalkada''. At the foot of the ''Mahawahalkada'' steps, there is a ''[[Sandakada pahana]]'' (moonstone) which is carved in Kandyan architectural style. ''Mahawahalkada'' was totally destroyed in a 1998 bomb blast and rebuilt afterwards along with ''Sandakada pahana'' other [[stone carving]]s.<ref name="ReferenceA">[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 28</ref> Elephants are depicted in stone on either side of the entrance. A ''[[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]]'' ''[[Torana]]'' and two guardian stones are placed on top of the staircase. The''Hewisi'' drummers' chamber is situated in front of the main shrine. The two storeys of the main shrine are known as "Palle Malaya" (lower floor) and "Udu Malaya" (upper floor) or "Weda hitina maligawa".<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 93</ref> The doors of the ''Weda Hitana Maligawa'' are [[Ivory carving]]s. The actual chamber in which the tooth relic is kept is known as the "Handun kunama".


[[File:Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka G.jpg|left|thumb|The golden canopy over the main shrine]]
[[File:Dalada Maligawa Sri Lanka G.jpg|left|thumb|The golden canopy over the main shrine]]


The [[Golden Canopy of the Temple of the Tooth|golden canopy]] over the main shrine and the golden fence which encircles the temple complex, was built in 1987 by then [[Prime Minister of Sri Lanka|Prime Minister]], [[Ranasinghe Premadasa]].<ref>[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 26</ref> The tooth relic is encased in seven golden [[casket]]s which are engraved with precious [[gemstone]]s.<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 94</ref> The casket represent a [[stupa]]; the procession casket which is used during the ''[[Kandy Esala Perahera]]'' is also displayed in the same chamber.
The [[Golden Canopy of the Temple of the Tooth|golden canopy]] over the main shrine and the golden fence which encircles the temple complex, was built in 1987 by then [[Prime Minister of Sri Lanka|Prime Minister]], [[Ranasinghe Premadasa]].<ref>[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 26</ref> The tooth relic is encased in seven golden [[Casket (decorative box)|casket]]s which are engraved with precious [[gemstone]]s.<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 94</ref> The casket represent a [[stupa]]; the procession casket which is used during the ''[[Kandy Esala Perahera]]'' is also displayed in the same chamber.


==Associated buildings and structures==
==Associated buildings and structures==
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[[File:SL Kandy asv2020-01 img43 Royal Palace.jpg|thumb|[[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy]] built the [[Royal Palace of Kandy]]]]
[[File:SL Kandy asv2020-01 img43 Royal Palace.jpg|thumb|[[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy]] built the [[Royal Palace of Kandy]]]]


The royal palace is situated to the north of the temple.<ref name="ReferenceB">[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 36</ref> John Pybus, who was on an embassy in 1762, gives a detailed description of the royal palace.<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 73</ref> [[Vikramabahu III of Gampola]] (r. 1356-1374) and [[Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu of Kandy]] (r. 1469-1511) built royal palaces on this site. [[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy]] undertook various decorations to the palace. The Dutch orientalist [[Philippus Baldaeus]] visited the palace with General [[Gerard Pietersz Hulft]] in 1656. The royal residence was known as "Maha Wasala" in [[Sinhalese language|Sinhalese]] starting in the ''Polonnaruwa'' period. The royal palace is also known as "Maligawa"{{efn|{{lang|si|මාළිගාව}}, ''māḷigāva''}} (Palace). There were three ''Wahalkadas'' and an {{convert|8|ft|m}} high wall used as main entrances. The section of the palace facing the ''[[Natha Devale, Kandy|Natha Devale]]'' is said to be the oldest. During the beginning of the British period, it was used by the government agent [[Sir John D'Oyly, 1st Baronet, of Kandy]].<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Successors of D'Oyly have continued to use it as their official residence. Today it is preserved as an archaeological museum. ''Ulpen Ge'' and Queens Palace are the associated buildings of the palace.
The royal palace is situated to the north of the temple.<ref name="ReferenceB">[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 36</ref> John Pybus, who was on an embassy in 1762, gives a detailed description of the royal palace.<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 73</ref> [[Vikramabahu III of Gampola]] (r. 1356-1374) and [[Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu of Kandy]] (r. 1469-1511) built royal palaces on this site. [[Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy]] undertook various decorations to the palace. The Dutch orientalist [[Philippus Baldaeus]] visited the palace with General [[Gerard Pietersz Hulft]] in 1656. The royal residence was known as "Maha Wasala" in [[Sinhalese language|Sinhalese]] starting in the ''Polonnaruwa'' period. The royal palace is also known as "Maligawa"{{efn|{{lang|si|මාලිගාව}}, ''māḷigāva''}} (Palace). There were three ''Wahalkadas'' and an {{convert|8|ft|m}} high wall used as main entrances. The section of the palace facing the ''[[Natha Devale, Kandy|Natha Devale]]'' is said to be the oldest. During the beginning of the British period, it was used by the government agent [[Sir John D'Oyly, 1st Baronet, of Kandy]].<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Successors of D'Oyly have continued to use it as their official residence. Today it is preserved as an archaeological museum. ''Ulpen Ge'' and Queens Palace are the associated buildings of the palace.


===Audience hall===
===Audience hall===
[[File:Magul Maduwa, Kandy.jpg|thumb|Audience hall seen here from the northern façade of the temple]]
[[File:Magul Maduwa, Kandy.jpg|thumb|Audience hall seen here from the northern façade of the temple]]


The audience hall or ''magul maduwa'' is where the Kandyan kings held their court.<ref>[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 428</ref> It was completed during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/kandycon.html|title=Rootsweb.ancestry.com}}</ref> The carvings of the wooden pillars which support the wooden roof are an example of [[wood carving]] of the Kandyan period. [[Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha of Kandy]] built it in 1783. The hall was renovated for the reception of arrival of [[Edward VII|Albert Edward, Prince of Wales]] in 1872. Originally the hall was {{convert|58x35.6|ft}}; after renovation, its length was extended by an additional {{convert|31.6|ft}}.<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 87</ref> Other nearby buildings to the halls believed to be demolished during the [[British Ceylon|British rule]]. The audience hall was the venue where the [[Kandyan Convention]] was drawn up, it was where the convention was read out to the people and where the conference, about the convention, was held on 2 March 1815. That space was later used to erect the Kandy ''Kachcheri'' and Kandy Supreme Court. Today it is used for state ceremonies and conserved under the department of archaeology.
The audience hall or ''magul maduwa'' is where the Kandyan kings held their court.<ref>[[#Abey04|Abeywardena 2004]]: p. 428</ref> It was completed during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~lkawgw/kandycon.html|title=Rootsweb.ancestry.com}}</ref> The carvings of the wooden pillars which support the wooden roof are an example of [[wood carving]] of the Kandyan period. [[Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha of Kandy]] built it in 1783. The hall was renovated for the reception of the arrival of [[Edward VII|Albert Edward, Prince of Wales]] in 1872. Originally the hall was {{convert|58x35.6|ft}}; after renovation, its length was extended by an additional {{convert|31.6|ft}}.<ref>[[#Senevi89|Seneviratna 1989]]: p. 87</ref> Other nearby buildings to the halls are believed to have been demolished during the [[British Ceylon|British rule]]. The audience hall was the venue where the [[Kandyan Convention]] was drawn up, it was where the convention was read out to the people and where the conference, about the convention, was held on 2 March 1815. That space was later used to erect the Kandy ''Kachcheri'' and Kandy Supreme Court. Today it is used for state ceremonies and conserved under the Department of Archaeology.


===''Mahamaluwa''===
===''Mahamaluwa''===
''Mahamaluwa'' is public who came to see the annual ''Esala perahera''.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Today it contains a statue of [[Madduma Bandara]]. The memorial which contains the skull of [[Keppetipola Disawe]] is another attraction. The statue of Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha are also located here.
''Mahamaluwa'' is public who came to see the annual ''Esala perahera''.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Today it contains a statue of [[Madduma Bandara]]. The memorial which contains the skull of [[Keppetipola Disawe]] is another attraction. The statues of Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha are also located here.


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==See also==
==See also==
*[[Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum]]
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*[[Diyawadana Nilame|Diyawadana Nilame (chief lay custodian)]]
*[[Esala Perahera]]
*[[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha]]
*[[Cetiya]]
*[[Cetiya]]
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*[[Constantino of Braganza#Tooth relic|Constantino of Braganza]]
*[[Dāṭhavaṃsa]]
*[[Dāṭhavaṃsa]]
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*[[Diyawadana Nilame|Diyawadana Nilame (chief lay custodian)]]
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* [[Relics associated with Buddha#Relics in Sri Lanka]]
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*[[Gaspar Jorge de Leão Pereira]]
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* [[Constantino of Braganza#Tooth relic]]
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*[[Relics associated with Buddha#Relics in Sri Lanka|Relics in Sri Lanka associated with Buddha]]
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* [[Gaspar Jorge de Leão Pereira]]


==Notes==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
{{notelist}}

===Citations===
===Citations===
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
* {{cite book|last=Abeywardena|first=H.A.P.|title=Kandurata Praveniya|publisher=[[Central Bank of Sri Lanka]]|location=Colombo|year=2004|edition=1st|isbn= 9789555750929|ref=Abey04|language=si}}
* {{cite book|last=Abeywardena|first=H.A.P.|title=Kandurata Praveniya|publisher=[[Central Bank of Sri Lanka]]|location=Colombo|year=2004|edition=1st|isbn= 9789555750929|language=si}}
* {{cite book|last=Seneviratna, Anuradha|author-link=Anuradha Seneviratna|title=Kanda Udarata Mahanuwara|editor=Vethara Mahinda Thera|publisher=Ministry of Cultural affairs (Sri Lanka)|location=Colombo|year=1989|edition=Sinhala translation|chapter=Dalada Maligawa|isbn=<!--n/a-->|ref=Senevi89|language=si}}
* {{cite book|last=Seneviratna |first=Anuradha|author-link=Anuradha Seneviratna|title=Kanda Udarata Mahanuwara|editor=Vethara Mahinda Thera|publisher=Ministry of Cultural affairs (Sri Lanka)|location=Colombo|year=1989|edition=Sinhala translation|chapter=Dalada Maligawa|isbn=<!--n/a-->|language=si}}
* {{cite book|last=Siriweera|first=W. I. |title=History of Sri Lanka|publisher=Dayawansa Jayakodi & Company|location=Colombo|year=2004|isbn=955-551-257-4 |ref=Siri04}}
* {{cite book|last=Siriweera|first=W. I. |title=History of Sri Lanka|publisher=Dayawansa Jayakodi & Company|location=Colombo|year=2004|isbn=955-551-257-4 |ref=Siri04}}
* {{cite book|last=Wijesooriya|first=S.|title=A Concise Sinhala Mahavamsa|publisher=Participatory Development Forum|location=Kotte|year=2006|isbn=955-9140-31-0|ref=Wije06}}
* {{cite book|last=Wijesooriya|first=S.|title=A Concise Sinhala Mahavamsa|publisher=Participatory Development Forum|location=Kotte|year=2006|isbn=955-9140-31-0|ref=Wije06}}
*{{cite book|last=Brockman|first=Nobert|title=Encyclopedia of Sacred Places, Volume 1|year=2011|isbn=978-1598846546}}
*{{cite book|last=Brockman|first=Nobert|title=Encyclopedia of Sacred Places, Volume 1|year=2011|isbn=978-1598846546}}
*{{cite book|last=McDaniel|first=Thomas|title=Architects of Buddhist Leisure|year=2018|publisher=University of Hawaii|isbn=978-0824876753}}
*{{cite book|last=McDaniel|first=Thomas|title=Architects of Buddhist Leisure|year=2018|publisher=University of Hawaii|isbn=978-0824876753 |ref=none}}
*{{cite book|last=Maduggalle|first=Sunil J.|title=Raja, the Sri Dalada Maligawa Tusker}}
*{{cite book|last=Maduggalle|first=Sunil J.|title=Raja, the Sri Dalada Maligawa Tusker |ref=none}}


===Journals===
===Journals===
*{{cite journal|jstor=44138805|title=Ceylon and China : The Account of Ceylon in the Dynastic History of the T'ang Period|last1=Lahiri|first1=Latika|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|year=1974|volume=35|pages=388–391}}
*{{cite journal|jstor=44138805|title=Ceylon and China: The Account of Ceylon in the Dynastic History of the T'ang Period|last1=Lahiri|first1=Latika|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|year=1974|volume=35|pages=388–391 |ref=none}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Sri Dalada Maligawa}}
{{Commons category|Sri Dalada Maligawa}}
* [http://www.sridaladamaligawa.lk Sri Dalada Maligawa Official website]
* [http://www.sridaladamaligawa.lk Sri Dalada Maligawa Official website]
* [http://www.divaina.com/2009/11/01/feature06.html ශ්‍රී දළදා මාළිගාවේ දියඅගල]
* [http://www.divaina.com/2009/11/01/feature06.html ශ්‍රී දළදා මාලිගාවේ දියඅගල]
*[https://lanka.com/events/kandy-esala-perahera/ The Kandy Esala Perahera]
*[https://kandy-esala-perahera.ww.lk/ The Kandy Esala Perahera Magnificent Pageant]


{{Buddhism in Sri Lanka}}
{{Buddhism in Sri Lanka}}

Latest revision as of 12:00, 16 November 2024

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • ශ්‍රී දළදා මාලිගාව

தலதா மாளிகை

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a World Heritage Site in Kandy
Religion
AffiliationBuddhism
Location
LocationKandy
CountrySri Lanka
Temple of the Tooth is located in Sri Lanka
Temple of the Tooth
Shown within Sri Lanka
Geographic coordinates7°17′37″N 80°38′29″E / 7.29361°N 80.64131°E / 7.29361; 80.64131
Architecture
FounderVimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy
Completed1595
TypeCultural
Criteria(iv)(vi)
Designated1988
Reference no.450
Website
Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Dalada Maligawa[a], commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. The relic was historically held by Sinhalese kings. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.

Bhikkhus of the two particular chapters, the Malwathu chapters and Asgiri chapters, conduct daily worship in the inner chamber of the temple. Rituals are performed three times daily: at dawn, at noon and in the evenings. On Wednesdays, there is a symbolic bathing of the relic with a herbal preparation made from scented water and fragrant flowers called Nanumura Mangallaya; this holy water is believed to contain healing powers and is distributed to those present.

The temple sustained damage from bombings by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna in 1989, and by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 1998. However, it was fully restored each time.

History

[edit]
Main article: Relic of the tooth of the Buddha
Wall painting at Kelaniya Temple of Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha which she carried Gautama Buddha's tooth relic hidden in her hair to Sri Lanka. - Painting by Solias Mendis

After the Maha parinirvana of Gautama Buddha, according to the legend, the tooth relic was preserved in Kalinga and smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guhasiva.[1] Hemmamali hid the relic in her hair on the way to the island. They landed on the island in Lankapattana during the reign of Sirimeghavanna of Anuradhapura (301-328) and handed over the tooth relic. The king enshrined it in Meghagiri Vihara (present day Isurumuniya) in Anuradhapura. Safeguarding the relic was the responsibility of the monarch from then, therefore over the years, the custodianship of the relic came to symbolize the right to rule the island. Therefore, reigning monarchs built the tooth relic temples quite close to their royal residences, as was the case during the times of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, and Kingdom of Dambadeniya. During the era of the Kingdom of Gampola, the relic was housed in Niyamgampaya Vihara. It is reported in the messenger poems such as Hamsa, Gira, and Selalihini that the temple of tooth relic was situated within the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte when the Kingdom of Kotte was established there.[1][2]

The Paththirippuwa, as seen from the front

During the reign of Dharmapala of Kotte, the relic was moved and was hidden in Delgamuwa Vihara, Ratnapura, in a grinding stone.[1] It was brought to Kandy by Hiripitiye Diyawadana Rala and Devanagala Rathnalankara Thera. King Vimaladharmasuriya I built a two-storey building to deposit the tooth relic and the building is now gone.[3] In 1603 when the Portuguese kingdom invaded Kandy, it was carried to Meda Mahanuwara in Dumbara. It was recovered in the time of Rajasinha II and it has been reported that he reinstated the original building or built a new temple.[1] The present-day temple of the tooth was built by Vira Narendra Sinha.[4] The octagonal Paththirippuwa and moat were added during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha. The royal architect Devendra Moolacharya is credited with building the Paththirippuwa. Originally it was used by the king for recreational activities and later it was offered to the tooth relic, it now houses the temple's library.

Attacks on the building

[edit]
Main article: 1998 Temple of the Tooth attack

The temple was attacked in 1989 by the militant organisation Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP); it had the intention of capturing the relic.[5] And in 1998 by the militant organisation Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE); this attack damaged the front side of the royal palace.

Architecture

[edit]
Inside the Temple of the Tooth

The brick wall which runs along the moat and the Bogambara lake is known as the water waves wall.[4] Holes in this wall are built to light coconut oil lamps. The main entrance gate which lies over the moat is called Mahawahalkada. At the foot of the Mahawahalkada steps, there is a Sandakada pahana (moonstone) which is carved in Kandyan architectural style. Mahawahalkada was totally destroyed in a 1998 bomb blast and rebuilt afterwards along with Sandakada pahana other stone carvings.[6] Elephants are depicted in stone on either side of the entrance. A Makara Torana and two guardian stones are placed on top of the staircase. TheHewisi drummers' chamber is situated in front of the main shrine. The two storeys of the main shrine are known as "Palle Malaya" (lower floor) and "Udu Malaya" (upper floor) or "Weda hitina maligawa".[7] The doors of the Weda Hitana Maligawa are Ivory carvings. The actual chamber in which the tooth relic is kept is known as the "Handun kunama".

The golden canopy over the main shrine

The golden canopy over the main shrine and the golden fence which encircles the temple complex, was built in 1987 by then Prime Minister, Ranasinghe Premadasa.[8] The tooth relic is encased in seven golden caskets which are engraved with precious gemstones.[9] The casket represent a stupa; the procession casket which is used during the Kandy Esala Perahera is also displayed in the same chamber.

Associated buildings and structures

[edit]

Royal Palace

[edit]
Main article: Royal Palace of Kandy
Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy built the Royal Palace of Kandy

The royal palace is situated to the north of the temple.[10] John Pybus, who was on an embassy in 1762, gives a detailed description of the royal palace.[11] Vikramabahu III of Gampola (r. 1356-1374) and Sena Sammatha Wickramabahu of Kandy (r. 1469-1511) built royal palaces on this site. Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy undertook various decorations to the palace. The Dutch orientalist Philippus Baldaeus visited the palace with General Gerard Pietersz Hulft in 1656. The royal residence was known as "Maha Wasala" in Sinhalese starting in the Polonnaruwa period. The royal palace is also known as "Maligawa"[b] (Palace). There were three Wahalkadas and an 8 feet (2.4 m) high wall used as main entrances. The section of the palace facing the Natha Devale is said to be the oldest. During the beginning of the British period, it was used by the government agent Sir John D'Oyly, 1st Baronet, of Kandy.[10] Successors of D'Oyly have continued to use it as their official residence. Today it is preserved as an archaeological museum. Ulpen Ge and Queens Palace are the associated buildings of the palace.

Audience hall

[edit]
Audience hall seen here from the northern façade of the temple

The audience hall or magul maduwa is where the Kandyan kings held their court.[12] It was completed during the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha.[13] The carvings of the wooden pillars which support the wooden roof are an example of wood carving of the Kandyan period. Sri Rajadhi Rajasinha of Kandy built it in 1783. The hall was renovated for the reception of the arrival of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales in 1872. Originally the hall was 58 by 35.6 feet (17.7 m × 10.9 m); after renovation, its length was extended by an additional 31.6 feet (9.6 m).[14] Other nearby buildings to the halls are believed to have been demolished during the British rule. The audience hall was the venue where the Kandyan Convention was drawn up, it was where the convention was read out to the people and where the conference, about the convention, was held on 2 March 1815. That space was later used to erect the Kandy Kachcheri and Kandy Supreme Court. Today it is used for state ceremonies and conserved under the Department of Archaeology.

Mahamaluwa

[edit]

Mahamaluwa is public who came to see the annual Esala perahera.[6] Today it contains a statue of Madduma Bandara. The memorial which contains the skull of Keppetipola Disawe is another attraction. The statues of Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha are also located here.

1
2
3
4
5
7
10
12
13
1
Temple of the Tooth building complex
2
Mahawahalkada (Main entrance)
3
Moat
4
Paththirippuwa (Octagon)
5
Handun Kunama
Golden Canopy
7
Temple of the Tooth Museum (New palace)
Royal Palace of Kandy
National Museum of Kandy
10
International Buddhist Museum (Old courts building)
Kandy Lake
12
Ulpange (Queens Bathing Pavilion)
13
Jayatilleke Mandapaya
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ පූජනීය දත් ධාතු මන්දිරය pūjanīya dat dhātu mandiraya
  2. ^ මාලිගාව, māḷigāva

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Abeywardena 2004, p. 25
  2. ^ Brockman 2011, p. 561.
  3. ^ Seneviratna 1989, pp. 90–91
  4. ^ a b Seneviratna 1989, p. 92
  5. ^ Wickrematunge, Raine (2 December 2001). "I was a member of the JVP team that attacked the Dalada Maligawa" (Interview). Colombo: The Sunday Leader. Retrieved 9 April 2012.
  6. ^ a b Abeywardena 2004: p. 28
  7. ^ Seneviratna 1989: p. 93
  8. ^ Abeywardena 2004: p. 26
  9. ^ Seneviratna 1989: p. 94
  10. ^ a b Abeywardena 2004: p. 36
  11. ^ Seneviratna 1989: p. 73
  12. ^ Abeywardena 2004: p. 428
  13. ^ "Rootsweb.ancestry.com".
  14. ^ Seneviratna 1989: p. 87

Sources

[edit]
  • Abeywardena, H.A.P. (2004). Kandurata Praveniya (in Sinhala) (1st ed.). Colombo: Central Bank of Sri Lanka. ISBN 9789555750929.
  • Seneviratna, Anuradha (1989). "Dalada Maligawa". In Vethara Mahinda Thera (ed.). Kanda Udarata Mahanuwara (in Sinhala) (Sinhala translation ed.). Colombo: Ministry of Cultural affairs (Sri Lanka).
  • Siriweera, W. I. (2004). History of Sri Lanka. Colombo: Dayawansa Jayakodi & Company. ISBN 955-551-257-4.
  • Wijesooriya, S. (2006). A Concise Sinhala Mahavamsa. Kotte: Participatory Development Forum. ISBN 955-9140-31-0.
  • Brockman, Nobert (2011). Encyclopedia of Sacred Places, Volume 1. ISBN 978-1598846546.
  • McDaniel, Thomas (2018). Architects of Buddhist Leisure. University of Hawaii. ISBN 978-0824876753.
  • Maduggalle, Sunil J. Raja, the Sri Dalada Maligawa Tusker.

Journals

[edit]
  • Lahiri, Latika (1974). "Ceylon and China: The Account of Ceylon in the Dynastic History of the T'ang Period". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 35: 388–391. JSTOR 44138805.
[edit]
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