The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Kandy is not only Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site, but also a timeless symbol of the nation’s rich cultural identity. In 2025, this sacred temple will once again host one of the most anticipated spiritual events in Sri Lanka, the Sacred Veneration of the Tooth Relic.
This annual tradition draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the world. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Kandy becomes a spiritual magnet during this period, glowing with ritual, devotion, and deep historical significance.
📜 What Is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth?
Located in the heart of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage City, the Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is home to a precious relic of Lord Buddha: his left dental relics. Brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD, the relic has long been a symbol of power, spirituality, and national pride.
This relic is usually enshrined in a gold casket inside a chamber, visible only to monks. But once a year, during specific dates, the temple hosts a rare public exposition known as the Sacred Veneration Ceremony, allowing devotees and visitors a chance to witness the relic casket.
📅 2025 Public Viewing Schedule
🔸 Friday, July 18, 2025:
- Special veneration begins after the 3:00 PM ritual service
- Public access starts at 5:30 PM
🔸 Saturday, July 19 – Sunday, July 27, 2025:
- Daily access from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM
These limited-time viewings allow the public to offer flowers, light incense, and silently venerate the sacred relic.
✨ Why This Event Is So Important
1. Spiritual Significance
- Buddhists believe that viewing the relic brings merit, blessings, and inner peace.
- It’s considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many devout followers.
2. Cultural Legacy
- The ceremony reflects centuries-old traditions: rhythmic Hevisi drumming, chanting of Pirith, and elegant temple rituals.
- Devotees wear traditional white attire, symbolizing purity and reverence.
3. Historic Influence
- In ancient times, Sri Lankan kings built their kingdoms around the relic.
- It was believe that whoever held the relic had the divine right to rule.
4. Tourism & Community
- Each year, this event attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists.
- Hotels, restaurants, and transport providers see a surge in activity—making it a vital cultural tourism period.
🧳 Essential Travel Tips for Visitors
✅ Dress Code: Wear white, modest clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
✅ Offerings: Carry flowers (lotus or jasmine), incense sticks, or a small oil lamp for devotion.
✅ Respect the Silence: Inside the inner shrine, maintain complete silence and follow monk instructions.
✅ Security Checks: Be prepared for standard bag checks at temple entrances.
✅ Photography: Allowed only outside the main shrine. Photography inside the chamber is usually prohibited.
✅ Timing: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to avoid large crowds.
📍 Location & Visitor Info:
🛕 Temple Name: Sri Dalada Maligawa
📍 City: Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka
🌐 Official Website: sridaladamaligawa.lk
📧 Email: media@sridaladamaligawa.lk
🌺 Beyond the Veneration – What Else to See in Kandy?
While visiting for the Sacred Veneration, don’t miss these nearby attractions:
- Kandy Lake: A peaceful walk around the temple’s adjacent lake.
- Royal Palace of Kandy: Historical residence of the last Sinhalese monarchy.
- Udawattakele Forest Sanctuary: A lush rainforest above the temple complex.
- Kandy Cultural Dance Show: A vibrant display of traditional Kandyan music and dance.
🧘♀️ Final Thoughts
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Kandy is more than a historical monument, it is a living, breathing center of spirituality and tradition. The 2025 Sacred Veneration Ceremony offers travelers and Buddhists alike a unique chance to witness sacred Sri Lankan rituals up close. It’s a journey that nourishes both the soul and the senses.
Whether you’re a spiritual pilgrim or an explorer of culture, visiting during this sacred period will be an unforgettable experience that deepens your connection to Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage.