Sri Dalada Palace, (Temple of tooth)which is the crown jewel of the Buddhists – By Malsha – eLanka
Sri Dalada Palace is a great place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. The Gauthama Buddha’s left tooth relic is kept at that place.
At present, shri Dalada Palace is located in Kandy. This Kandy was an area belonging to Senkadagala kingdom in the past. Senkadagala was the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. In the past, with the transfer of kingdoms to different areas, shri Dalada was kept in the same area. Protecting Dalada is one of the responsibilities of the king.
Kandy, located in the Mahaweli River Valley, was the capital of the Senkadagala Kingdom, so the Dalada Palace was built in this area. Dalada Palace was first built by King of 1st Wimaladharmasuriya . It was during 1592 – 1604. The current Dalada Palace was built by King Sri Weeraparakrama Narendrasingha.
Pujas are offered to Dalada every day. It is known as Tevava. This Tevava is performed daily by the Malavathu Asgiri monks. This Tevava should be held three times a day. When Tevava is held, sound offering must be done. That sound offering is known as Dalada Hevisi.
Dalada Perahera can be pointed out as a special occasion held for Sri Dalada.It is the cultural festival of Sri Lanka. It is held in the month of August. This perahera consisting of elephants and many cultural dances is held annually with the support of the state. The head of state as well as the general public and foreign tourists come to watch this perahera.
This area, where Sri Dalada, who is worshiped like the current Lord Gautama Buddha, resides, has been declared a world heritage by UNESCO
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