Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Meaning

Inside the white temple by the lake, drumbeats roll through incense and lotus offerings, leading toward the chamber of the relic.

Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition holds that a tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined here, a sanctuary long bound to the wellbeing of the nation. Each year the great Perahera procession fills the streets.

Field notes

Location

Kandy · Sri Lanka · N7.3° · E80.6°

Best time

Evening puja, when the drums sound; the Perahera festival in July and August

Getting there

On the shore of Kandy Lake, an easy walk from the town center.

Etiquette

Modest dress and bare feet, following the pilgrim flow at times of worship.

Sources

• · UNESCO World Heritage
• · Encyclopaedia Britannica

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