8 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, a World Heritage Site!

🇱🇰 Located in Kandy, Sri Lanka, the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic dates back to 1595. Famous for housing a tooth relic of the Buddha, it's a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. ⛳We visited the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic on the shores of Kandy Lake during a sudden downpour. Built on a platform about 6m high, the temple has two floors with interconnected halls, creating a complex structure. Key areas include the Buddha Hall, Drum Hall, Long Hall, Chanting Hall, Treasury, and Inner Chamber. The magnificent interior decor and solemn Buddha statues inspire reverence. ✔️Here are 8 things you should know before visiting this Sri Lankan national treasure: 1⃣️Legend says that two tooth relics remained after Buddha's passing, one of which made its way to Sri Lanka and is enshrined in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Due to its significant historical importance, it's considered a national treasure. 2️⃣The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic played a crucial role in ancient royal power transitions. Even today, every Sri Lankan president, after taking the oath of office, must visit the temple to pay homage to the relic, fulfilling an ancient tradition. 3⃣️The heart of the temple is the Inner Chamber on the second floor, where the sacred tooth relic is enshrined. A giant, radiant golden seated Buddha statue is placed in the center of the chamber. People offer lotus flowers and light candles at the altar, praying for blessings. 4⃣️The architectural style, from the pointed tiled roofs of the temple complex to the white walls with large ventilation windows, incorporates classic Kandyan architecture. It's truly spectacular. 5⃣️The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is surrounded by high walls. A temple stands at each corner of the wall: the Natha (Avalokitesvara) Devale, the Maha Vishnu Devale, the Kataragama Devale, and the Pattini Devale. These four temples are said to have been built to protect the tooth relic. 6⃣️Photography is allowed within the temple, creating a unique atmosphere. Staff will indicate areas where photography is prohibited. 7⃣️Security checks are conducted at the entrance. Modest attire is required, meaning long pants or long skirts that cover the knees. Sarongs are available to borrow at the entrance (free of charge). Shoes must be removed before entering (a shoe storage service is available for LKR 50). 8⃣️The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic houses three museums, which can be visited together. 📍Address: On the shores of Kandy Lake, in the ancient city of Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka ⏰Opening Hours: 5:30am–8:00pm 💰Entrance Fee: LKR 2,000 (free for children), including access to multiple museums within the temple complex. 🚗Transportation: A 10-min walk from the bus station or train station