Kandy

 

A world Heritage city and the last capital of the sri lanka surrounded by mountains. And its beauty is enhanced by the artificial lake and the river Mahaweli and Peradeniya Botanical Garden.The geographical location of kandy was nature fortress for defence.it had been build in a valley surrounded by three mountain ranges; Udawatta kale, Hanthana range and Bahirawakanda range.

The kandy is a version of “kanda uda rata” (the country over the mountains) in sinhala language it’s called “maha nuwara” which means the great and big city. The sri Dalada Maligawa, which enshrines the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, is the holiest shrine in the Buddist world and to the Buddhist people in the world.

The Sacred Tooth Relic has the power in sri Lanka, it means everywhere in the country and everything comes with its honor,  education system, political, socialism, culture, traditional and even king also has power till to he had the authority of The Sacred Tooth Relic, when British invaded Kandy kingdoms but the religious services in connection with it were conducted without any break even after the Kandyan convention in 1815, and its being continued under the leadership of its three chief custodians, the most venerable Mahanayake of the two chapters of Malwatta and Asgiriya, and the civil people’s authority belongs to Diaywadana Nilamea in whose charge it has been placed. before that The Sacred Tooth Relic, which is the Buddha’s left canine was brought to here during the king of Kisthiri Megavanna (301-328 B.C) by prince Dantha and princess Hemamala from the kingdom of Kalinga in India. Since then it was shrine in royal place under every king in past 2500 years. The Sacred Tooth Relic has been protected by every Buddhist people and every king and all Buddhist devotees. Kings, who built temples for the The Sacred Tooth Relic within the royal palace always consider it is more important.

When the kingdom was changed due to political instability the Sacred Tooth Relic was removed from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ruhuna, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Gampola, Kurunegala, kottee, seethawaka, and finally into Kandy kingdom. The Sacred Tooth Relic has been kept in specially constructed building. Where it had been conserved ever since. 

 

The sri Dalada Maligawa

The sri Dalada Maligawa, the temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic of the Gauthama Buddha.is a world heritage site and is visited by Buddhists the world over. The Sacred relic was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamala & Prince Dantha from the city of Kalinga in ancient India, during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Meghavarna (Kithsirimevan 301 -328). It became a symbol of Sri Lankan kings and was preciously guarded in a special shrine built within the precincts of the royal palace, wherever the capital was located. The ruins of such edifices remain in ancient capitals of Anuradapura, Pollonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala, Kotte and Gampola. While in Kandy the last Kingdom the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic continues to be the greatest shrine to receive the utmost veneration of the Buddhist world.

The first “Dalada Madura” in Kandy, which housed the Sacred Tooth Relic was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya the first during his reign from year 1592 – 1604. History reveals that this was destroyed by the Portuguese during their invasions. The second temple was built in the same location by King Rajasinghe the Second during his reign from 1635 – 1687, which was burnt by the Dutch. The Dalada history says in year 1687 King Wimaladharmasuriya the Second built a 3 storeyed Dalada Madura and performed Dalada rituals with great devotion but with time the building was decayed and destroyed. Later his son King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe who reigned from 1707 – 1739 built the 2 storeyed Dalada Madura which one can see today. The South Indian Kings who ruled the country from Senkadagala renovated and protected the shrine which was built by King Narendrasinghe.
The temple was finely renovated and beautified by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe to its present appearance. Paththirippuwa or the Octagonal Pavilion was constructed by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe who reigned from year 1798 – 1815.
Protecting the Sacred Tooth Relic and conducting religious rituals without a break is being carried out to the present day under the strict surveillance of the three chief custodians of the Tooth Relic, the most Venerable Mahanayake theros of Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters and the lay custodian, the Diyawadana Nilame.

The first “Dalada Madura” in Kandy, which housed the Sacred Tooth Relic was built by King Wimaladharmasuriya the first during his reign from the year 1592 – 1604. History reveals that this was destroyed by the Portuguese during their invasions. The second temple was built in the same location by King Rajasinghe the Second during his reign from 1635 – 1687, which was burnt by the Dutch. The Dalada history says in year 1687 King Wimaladharmasuriya the Second built a 3-storeyed Dalada Madura and performed Dalada rituals with great devotion but with time the building was decayed and destroyed. Later his son King Sri Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe who reigned from 1707 – 1739 built the 2-storeyed Dalada Madura which one can see today. The South Indian Kings who ruled the country from Senkadagala renovated and protected the shrine which was built by King Narendrasinghe.
The temple was finely renovated and beautified by King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe to its present appearance. Paththirippuwa or the Octagonal Pavilion was constructed by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe who reigned from the year 1798 – 1815. Its has been built on duel bridges and has eight doors for entrance, the roof Octagonal roof also with eight pillars with great shape. now its been used as the library of the temple of tooth and people could visit it on pooja time, it has protected books and Statues, King used this place to watch the Dalada Procession and address the nation.
 

Puja timings: 5.30-6.45am, 9.30-11am & 6.30-8pm.  It doesn't make sense to come outside these times, because you'd be missing out on the action. Only during the puja, the chamber where the Tooth Relic would be opened, and also another small room where a Buddha statue is. (Halfway between the first and second floor of the main building). I would say, please reach within the first 15 minutes of the Puja, to allow the freelance guides to explain to you about the ceremonies and the history, and also allow you to get a good spot (in front of the chamber) to snap valuable pictures before the devotees start to offer the items and blocking the line of sight.

 

Kandy Esala perahara

The Kandy Esala Perahera claims to be the most splendid visual celebration in Sri Lanka. Its festivities continue for ten days, so don't rush and save at least three days to savor the cultural rituals and explore the World Heritage-listed Kandy.

The Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as the Festival of the Tooth, is one of the greatest Buddhist holidays in the country, celebrated with elegant costumes. According to the Hindu calendar, a historical procession to pay respect to the Sacred Tooth Relic is held annually in July or August on the Full Moon Poya Day. The festival is all about the local food, decorated elephants, and traditional shows, like fire and whip dances.
The Esala Perahera in Kandy is celebrated to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic and the four 'guardian' Gods Natha, Vishnu, Kataragama and Goddess Pattini
The Esala celebrations typically end with a water-cutting ceremony (also called the diya-kepeema ritual), where people literary cut the water to pray for good harvests. Locals believe that the water collected at the diya kaepima is sacred and can get rid of evil. Therefore, they will often collect this water at one spot or sprinkle themselves with it.

Note that the festival gets more vibrant and crowded with each day. To get a good viewing spot, you'll have to arrive at least 3-4 hours before the start. Also, if you wish to enter the temples, remember to cover up—you won't be able to go in with your shoulders, waist, or knees exposed. Bringing a sarong or scarf is an excellent solution.

 

Have you ever wondered how many elephants take part in the Kandy Perahera? Then we have an approximate answer for you – It is the only Perahera in the world which is held with the participation of more than fifty elephants and tuskers adorned with ceremonial costumes, hundreds of drummers, dancers and singers.