The Ancient City of Anuradhapura | Sri Lanka

The Ancient city of Anuradhapura | Sri Maha Bodhi | Ruwanweli Seya Stupa | Jethawanaramaya Temple | Abhayagiriya Stupa | Mirisawetiya Temple | A Timeless legacy of Sri Lanka

Sri Maha Bodhi Anuradhapura

This is the only tree in the world that has written history.

The sister of Arahant hans 'Mihindu' also known as 'Sanghamiththa' bhikkhuni was invited by King 'Dewanampiyathissa'(307-267 B.C.) also known as 'Dewana Pethis' to bring "Sri Maha Bodhi" to Sri Lanka. Then it was planted in a garden called ‘Mahameuna Uyana’ in Anuradhapura. The King created a three story courtyard with a base of 350 feet in length and 275 feet in width in the ‘Mahameuna’ garden. After the arrival of the 'Sanghamiththa' bhikkhuni’, 'Sri Maha Bodhiya' was planted in the third and the highest level on the courtyard which has a height of 21 feet, a length of 71 feet and a width of 57 feet.

There was a canal from a lake, called 'Thisa wewa', to the 'Sri Maha Bodhi' to fulfil the needs of 'Sri Maha Bodhi'. That was discovered by the Department of Archaeology in 1960. According to Archaeology results, the canal was built by King Mahanaga (573-575). The canal is still operational today. In the period of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe (1747-1782) there was a thero named 'Aththadassi'.

With the Fundamental participation of 'Aththadassi' thero, a wall was built around 'Sri Maha Bodhiya' to defend it from attacks. The wall has 388 feet of length, 274 feet of width and 10 feet of height with 5 feet of thickness. Later on, numerous Kings rebuilt this holy ground without causing any damage to 'Sri Maha Bodhi'. 

 

Ruwanweliseya Stupa Anuradhapura

This is the last stupa which was built by King Dutugemunu in his career. People also named the stupa as 'Swarnamalie', 'Rathnamalie', 'Hemamalie' and 'Mahathupaya'. When the King felt ill, he summoned his brother, King 'Saddhathissa', to continue the project. After that, King 'Dutugemunu' decided to see how far the project had progressed, so he asked King 'Saddhathissa' to see it.

The project was not clearly completed at the time. But, since King 'Dutugemunu' was nearing the end of his life, King 'Saddhathissa' revealed the project as completed to his brother, King 'Dutugemunu', by covering the Stupa in white clothing. According to historical notes, King 'Dutugemunu' was ecstatic at the time. King 'Saddhathissa' completed the Stupa project after the death of the greatest King 'Dutugemunu'.

The Stupa was rebuilt by King Maha Perakumba (1153-1186) after it was invaded by 'Soli', the people from South India. Modern reconstruction was initially started by 'Naranwita Sumanasara' thero. The Stupa now stands at a height of 338 meters after the reconstruction. The statue of King 'Dutugemunu' was found near the inscription of King 'Nishshankamalla'(1187-1196). As per the historians, there is no way to pinpoint the time frame of that statue. Now the statue is located in Northern end from Eastern staircase of the Stupa. 

 

Jethawanaramaya Temple Anuradhapura

During the reign of King 'Mahasen', Jethawanaramaya was constructed (274-302). This is the biggest stupa ever in Sri Lanka. Situated in 8 acres land in Anuradhapura. The Stupa stands 400 feet tall. However, the Stupa's upper level has now been destroyed. Therefore, unfortunately now it is 232 feet.

According to the historical records, the 'temple of Jethawana' was once located near the Stupa. Further, there were around 3000 monks in the temple. Since this Stupa was constructed after the arrival of the 'Mihindu' thero, it is culturally Indian.

Stupa can be reached through four separate staircases divided into four parts from four directions. The flat courtyard surrounding the Stupa is surrounded by layers of rock. The Stupa was renovated by several Kings. King Chiththasena, King Dhathusena, King Mahanaga and King 1^st Agbo were them.

After the years, King 1^st Parakramabahu (1153-1186) reconstructed the Stupa because the Stupa was demolished by the people known as ‘Chola’ from South India. This is the world's highest brick work.

 

Lankaramaya Temple Anuradhapura

The King 'Walagamba'(89-77 BC) built the 'Lankaramaya' Stupa where the King used to hide during the wartime. This Stupa is unique among Anuradhapura's Stupas. This is slightly smaller than 'Thupaaramaya' but same as it. The Stupa stands 50 meters tall. Previously, the Stupa was protected by a roof. Unfortunately, only the supporting stones have been rescued so far.

There was a pipe to bring rain water from the courtyard to the downstairs. Now the people can see that particular pipe at the museum in Anuradhapura. Stupa can be reached through four separate staircases divided into four parts from four directions. 

A temple was built around the Stupa in the area uncovered by the ruined resources, in addition to the Stupa. This was created to honor the princess known as 'Soma'. The Stupa is belongs to ‘Atamasthanaya’ in Anuradhapura. It was declared in 1872. The ‘Atamasthanaya’ refers to the eight shrines in Anuradhapura.

 

Abhayagiriya Temple Anuradhapura

During the reign of King 'Walagamba' (83-77 B.C.) also known as 'Wattagamini Abhaya', this Stupa was constructed. One day, as the king was fleeing the Tamil enemy, an individual known as 'Giri' shouted to the King from his place known as 'Nigantaramaya', accusing him of cowardice.

After a period of time, the King regained his throne and demolished Giri's place. The King then ordered the construction of a Stupa in the vicinity of Giri's Nigantaramaya. The name of the Stupa was derived from a combination of the King's second name and Giri's name as 'Abhayagiriya'.

Stupa was rebuilt by King 'Maha Perakumaba' also known as 1^st Parakramabahu during his reign (1153-1186). At the time of the invasions, the Stupa was 350 meters high. Unfortunately, due to invasions, the height is now reduced to 245 feet. The circumference is 1355 feet. The Stupa was sacrificed to the thero known as 'Hambugalle Thissa', who had been protecting the King until he reclaimed the throne.

This is the world's second highest brick work.

Mirisawetiya Temple Anuradhapura

This Stupa was founded by King Dutugemunu (161-137 B.C) according to the history. King Dutugemunu had a habit of giving a portion of his meals to the monks. However, he forgot to give the share one day. As a result, he retaliated against himself and began to build the 'Mirisawetiya' Stupa and treasured that forgotten meal.

In this Stupa, King 'Dutugemunu' also treasured 'Kunthayudhaya' which was obtained through a battle between the King and another faction known as 'Soli'. The Stupa had best protection gateway among the Stupas in Anuradhapura. The Stupa is 160 feet tall, with a circular length of 560 feet.

 

Thuparamaya Temple Anuradhapura

During the reign of King 'Dewanampiyathissa', the Stupa was built (307-267 B.C.). The arts of that Stupa are similar to the arts of India during King Ashoka’s reign. According to the historical records, this is Sri Lanka’s first Stupa. In the northern and southern ends of the Stupa, there are two major entrances.

As per the historians, there was a roof to cover the Stupa. Only stone pillars are rescued now. The Stupa is 63 feet tall with a circular length of 194 feet.

 
Lowamahapaya Anuradhapura

The construction is done by the King Dutugemunu (161-137 B.C.). There are 1600 stone pillars in all, with 40 pillars in each of the 40 rows. Pillars are all the same height, but they are all different sizes. Only the pillars have been saved as a result of King Perakumba's (1^st Parakramabahu) (1153-1186) reconstruction. Before that, King 1^st Sirinaga (196-215) was also rebuilt the construction.

As per the historical reveals, there was a nine storeys building on the pillars with the roof consisting steel. There were 1000 rooms on each storey.

 

Kuttampokuna Anuradhapura

This is the crowning achievement of Sri Lanka's architectural, technical and artistic accomplishments in the past. Two major ponds and a small ponds can be found in Kuttampokuna. Two major ponds are not of the same age. The pond closest to the Northern end is older than the pond closest to the Southern end. Length and width of the ponds are respectively 40.23x15.54 meters and 27.74x17.73 meters.

According to the historians, this structure was constructed during the reign of King 1st Agbo (567-591 Years of Christianity). Water is transported to the ponds through an underground canal. The water is purified multiple times before entering the ponds by 'Bisokotuwa' which was in the way of canal. As a result, only filtered water is used to fill the 'Kuttampokuna'.

  

Isurumuniya Temple Anuradhapura

This temple was founded by King Dewanampiyathissa and is located near the lake known as ‘Thisa wewa’. The several sculptures in the temple. Furthermore, the world-famous statue of the loving couple can be seen here.

A rock is in close proximity to the temple. The ‘Sandakada Pahana’ can be seen in the entrance to the temple. Especially here, the carve arts and sculpture are most attractive. The temple was reconstructed by King Kashyapa during his reign.

 

Mihinthalaya Temple Mihintale

There is a rock surrounding the temple.

When King Dewanampiyathissa was out hunting in the garden, ‘Mihindu’ thero, the son of King ‘Dharmashoka’ in India, arrived to preach Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The Mihinthalaya was their destination. There were a total of 06 people with the ‘Mihindu’ thero. There was a temple and building complex within the site. All that remains are the ruins of the buildings. There are nearly 1850 stairs that led up the cliff from the temple at the begining.        

Aukana Buddha Statue Anuradhapura

Aukana Buddha statue is a very successful product in the statue industry. The stature was erected in the fifth year of the century in the kingdom of Anuradhapura. 

This is 38 feet and 10 inches tall. Historians claim that this reveals traditional Indian cultural arts known as ‘Amarawathi’.

Samadhi Buddha statue Anuradhapura

This is situated in a garden known as ‘Mahameuna’ in Anuradhapura. The statue stands at a height of seven feet and nine inches. When it was discovered, its base was broken as a result of invasions. The statue now stands as it did before the invasions.

As per the evidence in the area, the statue was coloured in centuries ago. The statue shows three separated forms when we look at the statue from the left, right and front sides. Historians believe that the statue belonged to the era of King Dewanampiyathissa.    

Statue consists of Indian mysterious arts.

 

Sandakada Pahana Anuradhapura

It is a semi-circular stone plate with intricate carvings. It can be seen at the bottom of the stairwell. This had been going on since the commencement of the Anuradhapura period. Previously it used to be only a semi-circular stone plate with no carvings. After the years, it was carved. The carvings include the images of lions, horse, leafs and flames. There are secret meanings in the carvings.

The best ‘Sandakada Pahana’ may be found in ‘Panchawaasa’, which is located near the palace of King Mahasen in Anuradhapura.

According to the opinion of Senarath Paranavithana, who was one of the best historians in Sri Lanka, the flames in the fourth row from the centre of the Sandakadapahana represents the envy developed in human minds. Then the carvings of the animals on the third row from the centre represent four noble truths. The irateness generated in the human mind is shown by the leaves in the second row from the centre. The swan carvings on the last row of Sandakadapahana which is the closest to the centre depicted the path to the Nirvana. Finally, the Buddha Nirvana is symbolized in the flower carving on the centre.

 

 

Kataragama Kiri Vehera Stupa | Discover the ancient sacred city of Sri Lanka - Temples, Rituals and Legends

Kataragama is a sacred city in Monaragala District in Uva Province. It’s around 250 kilometers from the city of Colombo and the journey took approximately four or four and a half hours along southern expressway.  

The history of Kataragama Ancient City

This has a history dating back to the sixth century BC (before Christ) in Sri Lanka. Previously, Sri Lanka was governed regionally. Ruhuna, Maaya and Pihiti were the three regions of Sri Lanka. As a result, Kataragama became the capital of Ruhuna also known as ‘Rohana’.

According to the Dhathuwansha, a record that covers all the information from the centuries in Sri Lanka, when the Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka for the third and last time, the Lord Buddha attended to Kihiriwanaya in Kataragama and then the protection of the Region of Kataragama was dedicated to the King Mahaghosha by the Lord Buddha.

Following that, the Ruhuna area was controlled by Regional King Mahaghosha, also known as Mahaseena. According to the mythology, King Mahaghosha erected Kiriwehera Stupa in the Kihiriwanaya area. The statue of King Mahaasena stands in front of Kiriwehera Stupa.

By the 15^th century CE, the town had become a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from India and Sri Lanka.

Some pilgrims take bath from Manik Ganga, a 114 kilometers long river that originates in Namunukula area which flows through the boundary of the sacred ground, and then go for the pilgrimage activities. They believe that they must first purify themselves before worshipping.

 

Stupa in Kataragama - Kataragama KiriVehera

The Stupa was built by King Mahaghosha and it stands 99.5 feet tall and has a circular length of 278 feet. This is the only Stupa that was ever erected during the Lord Buddha’s lifetime. The hair relic and the Golden chair in which the Lord Buddha seated when the Lord Buddha arrived in Kihiriwanaya, a place near Kataragama during Mahaghosha’s era have been treasured within the Kiriwehera Stupa.

On the other hand, Kiriwehera Stupa is distinct from the other stupas for another reason. The Stupa contains three stages called Salapathala Maluwa stage, Weli Maluwa stage and Gajan Maluwa stage around it.

Salapathala Maluwa

The pilgrims are all worshipping at the Salapathala Maluwa stage which is the closest to the Stupa.

Weli Maluwa

During the Procession season, all of the dancers are seated on the Weli Maluwa stage and worshipped.

Gajan Maluwa

Gajan Maluwa Stage is where the elephants are positioned prior to the procession.       

Story of Naming the Stupa KiriVehera

When the Lord Buddha arrived at Kataragama, the Lord Buddha preached in the Kihiriwanaya area. When the Mahaghosha was the ruler, he was able to construct the Stupa in that location. As a result, it was given the name kihiri vehera, which translates as ‘vehera’ to the ‘Stupa’ in Sinhalese. kihiri vehera is shortened to Kirivehera over time.   

According to history Kirivehera is also known as Magul Maha Vehera and Maha Vehera by the locals.

Kataragama Bodhiya

Mahawamsa says that the persons known as ‘Epa’ who ruled Kataragama after the years of erecting Kiriwehera Stupa, had been invited to the planting ceremony of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

One of the eight buds of Sri Maha Bodhiya was presented to the ‘Epa’ by King Dewanampiyathissa in the ceremony. This was planted in the 3^rd century BC and the tree that grew from that bud may still be seen in Kataragama sacred ground. The God temple also known as Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya and the Bodhiya are in the same area beside, nearly 570 meters away from Kiriwehera Stupa.

 

The God of Kataragama

As per the historical reveals, the King Mahaasena was able to become Sotapanna by hearing the sermon from the Lord Buddha. King Mahaasena was then regarded as the God of Kataragama, and he is still the guardian deity for Sinhala, Tamil and Hindu Buddhist People the same today.    

There was a strong relationship between King Dutugemunu and Kataragama. Once King Dutugemunu went to Anuradhapura to wage war against ‘Elaara’, the King who was from South India, he received blessings from the God here. The King returned to Kataragama after winning the war and established a three story temple for the God.

The Peacock is the theme of this hallowed place since it was the vehicle of God Kataragama according to the legends. The deity and the site are linked by a number of legends and myths.

 

Folklore about God Temple in Kataragama

After the King Dutugemunu returned to Kataragama, he journeyed to the peak known as ‘Wedasiti Kanda’ where the then God had once resided. The God then handed a bow and arrow to the King and told him to shoot it. The King built the God temple on the spot where the arrow fell down. 

Many Sri Lankans esteem God Kataragama in high regard as they revere him as a god of great strength and supplicated for supreme assistance in overcoming personal difficulties or achieving goals success.

 
Kataragama Esala Perahera

Kataragama procession is continuing within 15 days in July. The 2^nd century Before Christianity, King Dutugemunu was the first person who led a procession in Kataragama complete with all related rituals. Some people continue to come from the Northern and Eastern in Sri Lanka to participate in the procession by foot. It is called ‘Paada Yathra’.     

 

Current Proprietorship of Kataragama (2022)

The proprietorship of the sacred ground including temples and the Stupa was handed to the Bhikkhus after 1960. The council bestowed custodianship of the Stupa to the Polommaruwe Piyarathana thero, Aluthwewa Medhankara thero, Polommaruwe Rewatha thero and Paraththe Sri Ananda thero.

The then chief incumbent of the Kiriwehera was Polommaruwe Rewatha thero led the reconstruction of the Stupa. The stupa was destructed from the years till the reconstruction. After that, Aluthwewa Soratha thero became the chief incumbent of Kirivehera and continued the procedure for 23 years without any difficulties after Polommaruwe Rewatha thero. The custodianship is now assigned to the Kobawaka Dhamminda thero. 

 

Surrounding Facilities in Kataragama

There are hundreds of homes, villas, restaurants and hotels for pilgrims to choose from.

Other locations for visitors to Kataragama include the temple and the Stupa of Thissamaharama, temple of Sithulpawwa and Yala National Park.

Rituals and the story of Sri Pada | Adam's Peak

Sri Pada (Adam's Peak): A Spiritual Journey to Sri Lanka's Sacred Mountain | Irasewaya

This is one of the most important mountains in Sri Lanka with a height of 7360 feet. AKA Samanala Mountain located in Ratnapura District Sri Lanka.

Deepawamsa, the Paali chronicle of the 4^th century, referred to this as Samantha Khuuta.

The Buddhists believe that the footprint of the Lord Buddha is spotted at the summit of the mountain. To get to the top of the mountain, there are three main routes. They are Hatton, Erathna and Palabaddala which is also known as Raja Mawatha.

1)      Hatton Road

Hatton is about 200 kilometres from Colombo on the Colombo-NuwaraEliya A7 major road. This is the city closest to the mountain. There is a direct route from Hatton to Nallathanniya. The town of Nallathanniya is located at the foot of the Sri Pada Mountain. Busses run frequently between Hatton and Nallathanniya. A footpath leads to the summit of the mountain from Nallathanniya. Nearly four kilometres from there to the top.

2)      Erathna Road

This is the longest path. Starting at the Erathna area, a few kilometres from Kuruwita town on the Ratnapura-Colombo main road. The distance is over 14 kilometres. The journey to the summit takes roughly 12 to 13 hours.

3)      Palabaddala Road

This road begins in the Palabaddala area, approximately 25 kilometres from Ratnapura town. From the start, there are stairs. There is also a nearly 09 kilometres of hiking that leads to the summit. This road is connected to the Erathna road in the Heramitipana area.

Sri Pada is surrounded by Samanala Wildlife Sanctuary. All the roads pass through the sanctuary.

The pilgrims travelling over Hatton road will rest at Seetha Gangula, Geththampaana, Heramitipaana, Aandiya malathenna, Ahela Kanuwa and Mahagirindambaya. In addition, little tea stalls and lavatories are provided for devotees on all three roads from the beginning to the end.

Seetha Gangula, Geththampaana, Heramitipaana, Aandiya Malathenna, Ahela Kanuwa, Lihinihela and Mahagirindambaya are also visited by pilgrims travelling from Erathna and Palabaddala roads.

Although these locations are distinct, they are referred to by the same name. As an example, the pilgrims travelling from Erathna road come across a stream called Seetha Gangula. However, the pilgrims travelling from Hatton road will come across another stream known as Seetha Gangula, which is not the same as the previous one. But the names are the same.

The illustration below explains everything.

 

 According to the historical records, King Valagamba, King IV Mihindu, King Vijayabahu, King I Parakramabahu, King Keerthi Sri Nishshankamalla, King II Vimaladharmasooriya, King VI Parakramabahu and King Sri Vijaya Rajasinghe all travelled over Palabaddala road. That is why it is known as Raja Mawatha.

The SriPada season runs from Unduwap Poya day in December to the Vesak Poya day in May. The God Sumana Saman statue is carried to the ‘Sumana Saman’ temple at the top of the mountain through Raja Mawatha (Palabaddala) at the start of the season. The statue is kept at the Galpoththawala Temple during the off-season.

The Story of Sri Pada

Sri Lanka had been visited three times by Lord Buddha. When the Lord Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka, the Lord Buddha was asked to visit the Sri Pada Mountain by God Sumana Saman. The locals believe that God Sumana Saman will safeguard the place.

During the third visit, the Lord Buddha arrived at Sri Pada Mountain from Kelaniya. The footprint of the Lord Buddha was then left there. For safety reasons, a stone has been placed over the original footprint and the original footprint was treasured. A fictitious footprint has been imprinted on the stone to represent the existence of the original footprint beneath it. The location is revered by people of all faiths. Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians are all represented.

Rituals of Sri Pada

When someone visits SriPada for the first time, they are referred to as ‘Kodukaraya’. They have a number of rituals dedicated to them. Seethagangula is where Kodukaraya should bathe. They all have to sew in Geththampana after that. They should have to paste lime on Ehela Kanuwa and obtain Panchaseela.

Prior to the pilgrimage, people worship Sumana Saman Temple, which is located on the Ratnapura-Panadura main road, about 02 kilometers from Ratnapura town. All of the necessary items, including needles, threads and lime are sold in packages at the start of the routes.

There is a bell on top of the mountain. Pilgrims can ring it according to the number of times they have visited Sri Pada. For instance; if someone is on their third pilgrimage, they should ring the bell three times.  

People wrap a Pandura, a coin, in a clean white cloth and attach it to the shrines at the starting places of the pathways at the commencement of the journey. This is a prayer for safety during the journey. Devotees worship, pray, light lamps and place incense sticks at Udamaluwa where the sacred footprint is located.    

Irasewaya

From the summit of the mountain, the pilgrims may witness the sun rise. This is known as Irasewaya. The majority of the individuals remain there to observe this. The western end of Sri Lanka, particularly Colombo and Kalutara as well as certain areas in the North Western region, may be viewed from here. Galle and Sooriyawewa areas in Southern Province can also be seen. 

On a clear day, the peak may be seen all the way down in Colombo, Kalutara or even Ambalantota area through the southern expressway as well.

            

Natural Beauty of Sri Pada

During the rainy season, devotees on the Hatton road may witness a series of waterfalls.

This mountain is the source of the three major rivers Kelani, Kalu and Walawe which are the giants of Sri Lanka’s agricultural and Irrigation fields. The peak creates a distinct triangle shaped shadow on the surroundings in the morning.

At the top of the mountain, there is also a strong wind as well as the cold. The Hatton road is used by the majority of people as it is the shortest way. However, Erathna road is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and streams.

Sri Lanka’s most treasured Buddhist relic | Temple of the Tooth

Temple of The Tooth Relic Kandy | Kandy Esala Perahera | UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sri Lanka’s most treasured Buddhist relic, a tooth of the Buddha, is housed in the golden-roofed temple of the tooth in Kandy. This is open to devotees and tourists to worship and see at times of offering or prayers. The temple of the Tooth is located on the border of Kandy Lake.

Arrival of the Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka and the Custodianship

After the passing of the Gautama Buddha the tooth relic was kept in Kalinga in India. Then served on the island of Sri Lanka.

The tooth relic was carried to Lankapattana in Sri Lanka by prince ‘Dantha’ and the princess ‘Hemamala’.  ‘Hemamala’ hid the relic in her hair on the route to the island due to the attacks by the other nations. They handed it to the then King of Anuradhapura, Kirthi Sri Meghavanna (301-328 CE).

Following that, the King enshrined it in the Megagiri Viharaya, which is known as the Isurumuniya now. The King of the period assumed responsibility for the safekeeping of the tooth relic. The right to lead the country is reflected by the custodianship of the tooth relic.

Since then, several rulers and kingdoms kept the tooth relic close to their royal castles. The tooth relic is now kept at the Sri Dalada Maligawa or temple of the tooth in Kandy also known as Senkadagala.

 

Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters

The Diyawadana Nilame, as well as the main prelates of the Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters, have always played a vital part in affairs concerning the temple of the tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The two bhikkhus or chief prelates of these monastic organizations (Malwatta and Asgiriya) are members of the prominent sect Siyam Nikaya. Upali Thero established the Siyam Nikaya sect in 1753.

 

Sri Dalada Maligawa

Sri Weera Parakrama Narendrasinghe was the King who built this according to the Kandyan architecture. Sri Dalada Maligawa consists of the entrance and moat, Octagonal building, Golden canopy, audience hall, Museum of the temple, royal palace and the national museum of Kandy.

In addition, the museum of the ‘Raja’. The ‘Raja’, an elephant, led a procession for years carrying a tooth relic. In the museum, there is a scaled figure of the ‘Raja’, along with photographs of notable occasions.  

The complex is situated between the Udawattakale Sanctuary and Kandy Lake, with the queen’s bathing pavilion on the edge of the lake being the most visible monument. The Octagonal Paththirippuwa building and the moat were created during the time of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1798-1815).

Recently added golden awning that covers the main shrine was created by then Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1987.

The main shrine compound positioned in a central courtyard includes a wonderfully decorated view and tunnel. The temple of tooth was renovated twice because it was damaged in 1989 and 1998.

Thewawa 

Dawn, noon and evening rituals are conducted three times a day.

Every Wednesday, the relic is symbolically bathed in a herbal concoction produced from perfumed water and aromatic flowers. It is called Nanumura Mangallaya. 

The King himself would attend to the offering in the past. However now, a monk and few servicemen would bring the Dalada Puja or offering to the casket and place it symbolically. Thewawa or daily services is a meal and flower offering. The drummers in the lower hall keep drumming throughout the duration of the Thewawa.

The majority of the current rites date back to the time of King 4^th Parakramabahu in Kurunegala reign. During the reign, the constitution known as ‘Dalada Siritha’ was compiled which comprises all aspects relating to the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’. The tooth relic is enclosed in seven golden caskets adorned with diamonds on the main deck of the building. The casket is shaped like a Dagoba.

 

Kandy Esala Perahera

The feast of Esala Perahera originated from the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghawanna. During that time, all the aspects related to the procession were handed over to Abayagiri Viharaya in Anuradhapura by the King. Kandy Esala Perahera is a vital aspect of paying respects to the precious tooth relic.

This ancient spectacle begins on the grounds of the temple of the tooth and continues its way through Kandy town. The procession also known as Dalada Perahera is the pinnacle of Buddhist festivals in the country. Dalada Perahera takes place in the month of Esala (July).

Actually the Kandy Perahera consists of a collection of processions. The four guardian shrine processions accompany the main temple procession. The four sections of the guardian shrine are as follows.

·         Naatha

·         Wishnu

·         Kataragama

·         Paththini

These processions amalgamate with the main temple procession to perform their indigenous artistic segments, especially the cultural factors and the fire dances. Hundreds of drummers and dancers as well as whiplashes and elephants perform in various traditional acts.

 

The relic was secured in various locations before moving to the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ in Kandy under several reigns, including the Kingdom of Anuradhapura, the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, the Kingdom of Kotte and the Kingdom of Dambadeniya.

It was kept safe at a temple known as Niyamgampaya throughout the Kingdom of Gampola. The relic was located within the Kingdom of Kotte during the time of King Dharmapala. Due to the invasions it was relocated to the Delgamuwa Viharaya in Rathnapura District. After that the relic was taken to the Kandy by two people known as Hiripitiye Diyawadana Rala and Devanagala Rathnalankara thero. Then it was placed in a palace which was built by King I Vimaladharmasooriya.

The tooth relic was brought to conceal in Medamahanuwara in Dumbara once again during the Portuguese assault in 1603. In addition, Beligala, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Kuruwita and Kothmale are the other cities that the tooth relic was kept. King 2^nd Rajasinghe again brought it back to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy a half century later. Because of the ancient temple and its relic, the temple of tooth was nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

Kandy is located in the central province of Sri Lanka, about 120 kilometers from Colombo, and takes nearly three to three and half hours to arrive through the Colombo-Kandy major route. In Kandy, pilgrims, foreigners and locals can stay in hundreds of star-rated hotels, villas, restaurants and boutiques. Rain showers make the frigid atmosphere more bearable.