Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic-Kandy

        recently i payed a visit to one of the most sacred places known to man kind.. "ශ්‍රී දළදා මාලිගාව" (A.K.A "The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic"). It sure is an experience which calms your mind.

                    
  We approached the hill capital at around 8.30 in the morning as we were attending a puja which was scheduled to start at 9.30. I might be wrong, but i have heard from many people that crossing the borders to the city of Kandy makes them feel..hmm lets put it this way "makes them feel holly" irrespective of their religions, or even their nationalities. And i too love it there may be cuz i feel the same way:)

Our poojawa to The sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha

            The thing about this temple is that it is never deserted. people pay respect, and treat the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha in such a manner that it really amazed me to see how people worshiped as if Lord Buddha were still alive(this includes me as well).It was the day after Wesak poya, so you can just imagine how crowded it must have been right.. Toddlers to old great grand mothers and great grand fathers...there were people from all ages to worship.

Beautiful Lamp Shades which caught my eye

The whole place was decorated to celebrate wesak.

 Certainly the sacred tooth relic has played a major role in our past and still does. It is said that who ever holds the Sacred relic is the ruler of Sri Lanka. which is why it is placed in the royal place complex. The architecture and the drawings on the walls are magnificent and each small piece of art has a story behind it.

Another master piece which is found in the temple.

The techniques were exquisite(and still is)that these amazing pieces marked the beginning of an era of the Sri Lankan architecture and painting.

A stone carving which is done to the Kandiyan architecture.

You can sit and watch for days the rituals which are followed in the temple where each task is performed by a person specified for it. Of course they get paid for what they do, but all of them do these activities with a pure heart and out of immense honor to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

So on our way out we saw the fancy majestic 'elephant dresses'(i honestly don't know what they are called) been washed by their mahouts(i guess) and they were put to dry. I simply have to share these pictures with you too. sadly im having trouble uploading them.will do so once i get things sorted out:)

Do visit and experience a rich bit of our history..
Chandula Out..
sakshi and njeri: i know you guys are not in S.L any more but thanx for sharing your thoughts with me :)