Temple of the sacred tooth, Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is considered to be a sacred place of worship, and the location of Buddha’s left upper canine tooth. His tooth is said to have been taken from his funeral pyre and smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313AD. Pilgrims, dressed in white, visit bearing gifts of lotus blossoms to visit the shrine. The relic of the tooth is stored in the New Shrine, a two-floored building within the temple grounds. It lies on a solid gold lotus flower encased in caskets flanked by large elephant tusks. The relic is commemorated once a year during the Esala Perahera, a 10-day parade of dignatories and decorated elephants (www.sacred-destinations.com).

The 17^th century temple is situated around the immense Kandy Lake. The large complex accommodates temple buildings, a museum, a moat, a glass house for the lighting of candles, and magnificent gardens. The interiors are of intricately carved wooden ceilings, gold ornate decorations, and beautiful statues of Buddha.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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