Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha: history, description

One of the many wonders of the world is the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha (Sri Lanka). This is a unique place that Buddhists of the whole world seek to enter. In the great shrine, under a large guard, the tooth of the Buddha is kept. Despite the fact that the temple is open for visits around the clock, it always gathers a huge queue of people who want to see the Tooth of the Buddha and feel a special spiritual atmosphere. The temple, which houses the Buddhist relic, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.

Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha: a history of the relic

The discovery of the relic originates from a legend according to which, after his death, the Enlightened One bequeathed to burn his body. And in 540 BC it was devoted to fire. After cremation, four whole teeth of the Buddha remained in the ashes. They were carried around the world. In 371, one Tooth of the Buddha was brought to Ceylon. For several centuries he was in India.

But then the ruler of Kalinga began to suffer losses in internecine wars from enemies and began to fear for the fate of the state and an invaluable relic. He decided to send her to the island with the help of his daughter. The princess was disguised and did not differ from ordinary village girls. The Tooth of Buddha was woven into her hair, and she went to Ceylon. So, with the help of the princess, the shrine came to Sri Lanka.

What is the power of the Tooth of the Buddha?

Since the appearance of the Tooth of the Buddha this relic has been attributed an amazing magical power. It was believed that owning the Tooth becomes the owner of a huge and full power. Therefore, the relic was immediately in the possession of the royal dynasty. But they preserved and regained the Tooth of the Buddha regal persons, respectively, surrounding it not only with protection, but also with wealth.

It was believed that the disappearance of the relic is the end of belief. Therefore, a separate temple of the Tooth of the Buddha was erected. The Islamists tried to destroy the relic. And in 1998 there was an explosion in the temple. The building was badly damaged, but surprisingly - the Tooth of the Buddha was absolutely unharmed and left unharmed. And this case only emphasizes the sanctity and strength of this relic.

"Journey of the relic" and the acquisition of permanent storage space

The city of the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha is Kandy. But there was a relic there not at once. The capitals in Ceylon changed several times, but the Tooth of the Buddha did not remain in the same place. He became a symbol of the love of the people and power. And the rulers always carried the relic with them. Thus, the Tooth of Buddha first appeared in the capital Anuradhapura. Then he was transported to Polnaruwa. And, at last, has found a permanent place of storage, koim became the third royal capital - Kandy.

How did the temple for the Tooth of the Buddha appear?

The tooth of the Buddha is kept in Sri Dalad Maligawa. The temple was first built of wood. But in the eighteenth century was burned by ill-wishers. Despite this, the relic survived. On the site of the fire was built the royal palace. In it, and kept the relic under watchful monarchical supervision.

To see the Tooth of the Buddha was allowed to a few - the king and only the most approached and respected monks. When the reign of the last monarch ended, the palace was placed at the disposal of the monks. And it was renamed the Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha in Kandy.

How is the relic stored?

The Tooth of the Buddha is in a small golden stupa, which is located in the former royal palace, in one of the buildings that now has the status of a temple. The relic is in a separate, well-guarded room, in seven caskets, each of which is made in the form of a stupa. All of them are nested in each other in the style of Russian nested dolls. The room with the relic is constantly guarded by at least two monks. Stupas, in which the "Tooth of the Buddha" is packed, are protected by bulletproof glass.

Can you see the Tooth of the Buddha?

To look at the relic it is possible only from afar, twice a day, at strictly certain hours. And then at that time the Tooth of the Buddha is in the "pile-doll" of the golden stupas. And the relic is brought to the review only during the Esala Peraher, a traditional holiday. And only in a special casket.

In rare and exceptional cases, when the Tooth of the Buddha is nevertheless shown close, it fits into a special golden loop that emerges from the center of the lotus made of the same precious metal. This presentation is not accidental. The relic was found on the lotus flower.

Description of the temple

The Tooth of the Buddha Temple is a tourist attraction and pearl of Sri Lanka - the former royal palace, and now it is a temple of Buddhist monks, in which the priceless holy relic is kept. The magnificent decoration of the rooms has survived to this day. Temple of the Tooth is included in a large complex of palace buildings, occupying a separate one.

At first it was a separate temple. Over time, a second was erected around the outside. The temple in the temple turned out. The outer territory is protected by a moat with water and two openwork walls: Sea Waves and Clouds. These names were given to them due to bizarre and unusual forms, causing poetic associations. On holidays in the openings of the walls are placed small lamps, creating in the evening a special atmosphere. Thanks to them, the entire territory is illuminated with thousands of lights.

Complex of palace buildings

The complex of palace buildings includes not only the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha, but also the Hall for royal audiences, etc. The National Museum is now located in the building of the Royal Palace. But pilgrims and tourists come mainly to visit the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha. Between it and the Royal Palace is a roof of gold, which was built in 1987. It is located directly above the stupa where the relic is kept.

Many of the palace rooms are closely connected with the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha. After passing the tunnel of Ambarava, visitors enter the lower tier of the temple complex. This is the yard of Drummers H. Mandapaya. Modest religious rituals are held here every day. And next to the drummers' yard is a modern temple of the Tooth of the Buddha, which is built around the old one.

Particular attention when looking at the palace complex should be given to the Throne Hall of Kandy kings. Lankan masters really created masterpieces, making furniture. All of it is made of one huge rock. On the walls of the hall are paintings that tell about the life stages of the Enlightened, the history of the relic and the temple of the sacred Tooth of the Buddha.

In the halls of the palace you can see unusual exhibits. For example, a mummified elephant. This animal is considered sacred, because on it for many years during the festivities it was exported to the box with the Tooth of the Buddha. And the relic for a time left the temple.

Festive procession in honor of the Tooth of the Buddha: Esala Peraher

Near the roof there is a Pattirippuva tower, which has eight corners. It was erected in 1803 and is part of the palace complex. From the tower, the kings addressed their subjects with speeches and watched the festive ceremony of Esala Peraher. This is a multi-day procession, taking place in July or August, during the full moon. The solemn ceremony was held in honor of the Tooth of the Buddha. In modern times, the tower became a repository of ancient manuscripts.

Esala Perakhera is one of the most important Sri Lankan religious holidays associated with the Temple. In solemn procession dozens of elephants participate, with bright veils and garlands thrown on them. At the same time, dancers, acrobats and drummers arrange performances. All in national costumes, as required by the ritual.

This noisy solemn procession takes place before the Tooth of the Buddha is carried to public view. It is at this time a relic in a special box of gold. The tooth of Buddha is surrounded by flowers and jewels. You can admire the relic for four hours, coming to the temple. It is strictly forbidden to touch the Tooth of the Buddha. Therefore, you can only look close.

Attractions inside the Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha

The Tooth of the Buddha Temple (Sri Lanka) has many inner halls. Their furniture is striking in its beauty. The decoration is made using precious stones. Inlay made with the help of emeralds, rubies, ivory and silver.

There is a separate room in which the library is located. In other rooms there are numerous ancient statues of Buddha. And they are made and decorated with different materials: gold, jade, quartz and other semi- and precious stones. In the whole temple there are more than a thousand statues and small Buddha figurines, and in different poses.

Temple of Tooth of the Buddha: dress code and additional services

Because of repeated attempts to undermine the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha and the destruction of the relic, the premises are constantly under vigilant protection. And at the entrance people are carefully groped. Men and women are in different premises. To be as close as possible to the relic, at the entrance you can take special flowers that are meant for offering.

You can place the plants on the second floor of the temple, you need to stand in line. During her movement, the flowers are placed in a window through which people pass. From it another hall is visible, in which there is a relic under the golden dome.

Visiting the temple is chargeable. But the price includes a disc with a pre-recorded sightseeing tour, which can be watched on many occasions when you return home. At the ticket offices there is a service - audio guide. It contains complete information about the device of the temple, its decoration and all the exhibits.

The Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha is in force, therefore the dress code is strictly observed. Before the entrance, shoes are required. You can use the services of the storage rooms. Or save by taking off your shoes right at the entrance, as do many locals. But in this case, no one guarantees the safety of shoes and sandals. Before entering the temple, not only women, but also men are required to cover their shoulders and knees.

How to get to the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha?

Many people come to Sri Lanka, first of all they want to visit the Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha. How to get to this place? It is possible by car. The temple is located in Kandy. Therefore, you need to go on the track "A1" from Colombo. "A1" is just connecting the capital of Sri Lanka with Kandy. The approximate travel time is three hours. This method is most suitable for those who want to explore other places along the way. For example, the Royal Botanical Garden, located in Peradeniya.

The temple of the Tooth of the Buddha can be reached by bus. Since Kandy is one of the largest cities in Sri Lanka, many routes have been laid through it to all major cities - Colombo, Halle, Negombo, etc. On the bus, the journey time is the same - about three hours. The difference is only in the level of ride comfort and fare. Buses to Kandy stop at the Central Station, which is next to the railway station. From it to the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha - only ten minutes on foot. You need to go to the side of the lake. But you can get there by tuk-tuk.

But the fastest and most economical way to get to the temple of the Tooth of the Buddha is by train. Composition goes from the train station of Colombo Fort. And stops at the Central in Kandy. The ticket price depends on the class of the car. The journey takes four hours. On the way you can admire the amazingly beautiful natural scenery.