Contrary to what you might have heard, it’s not all tropical scenery and tea plantations in Kandy. Sure, they’re a big part of its appeal, but did you know that the city is also home to one of the most sacred shrines in Sri Lanka? The Temple of the Tooth, located inside the former royal residence of the Kandy kings, is said to house the tooth of the Buddha. What’s so special about that, you might ask? Well, not only does this ancient relic symbolise the foundations of Buddhism, but legend has it that whoever possesses the tooth has the right to rule the country. In other words, it’s a pretty big deal.
The tale of the tooth weaves through years of ancient history - but let’s cut a long story short. After being smuggled onto the island, the tooth was passed from king to king until it eventually ended up at its current residence, the Temple of the Tooth. Over the centuries, it became a symbol of power and there were various attempts to steal and destroy it, though luckily none were successful.
Today, the temple remains an important religious site for Sri Lanka’s Buddhist community. Daily rituals are performed by monks, including the symbolic bathing of the tooth in a herbal concoction, which is believed to have healing abilities.
The tooth is also the focal point for one of Sri Lanka’s most famous festivals - the Esala Perahera (or the Festival of the Tooth). Every August or July, a colourful procession is held to pay homage to the relic with decorated elephants, elegant costumes and traditional dancing. What’s not to love?