A Historic Revelation: Sacred Tooth Relic Exposition Announced!

A Rare Chance to Witness Sri Lanka’s Most Sacred Relic!

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has announced a special exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic, allowing the general public a rare opportunity to venerate one of Buddhism’s most revered artifacts. This extraordinary event is set to take place after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, marking a momentous occasion in Sri Lanka’s spiritual and cultural history.

A Relic Steeped in Royal and Religious History

The Sacred Tooth Relic, believed to be a tooth of Lord Buddha, has been enshrined in Sri Lanka for over 1,700 years. Historically, it symbolized the divine right to rule, with Sri Lankan monarchs considering it a sacred emblem of power. The Relic has survived wars, invasions, and countless journeys, ultimately finding its final resting place in the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.

The Tooth Relic was brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century AD by Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha, who smuggled it in their hair to protect it from destruction. Since then, it has been closely associated with the rulers of Sri Lanka, as it was believed that whoever possessed the relic had the right to govern the island. The relic was initially housed in Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, before being moved to various other capitals over centuries, including Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, and Kotte, eventually reaching its current home in Kandy in the 16th century.

Throughout history, the Sacred Tooth Relic has been the target of colonial invaders, including the Portuguese and Dutch, who sought to seize it to weaken local rule. However, devoted Buddhist monks and Sri Lankan kings ensured its survival, hiding and relocating it to protect its sanctity. Today, it remains one of the most venerated objects in the Buddhist world, drawing thousands of pilgrims each year.

High-Level Discussions with Religious Leaders

President Dissanayake confirmed the event following crucial discussions held on the 23rd with the Chief Prelates (Mahanayaka Theras) of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters. These deliberations also included the Governor of the Central Province, the Kandy District Secretary, senior government officials, and the Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Their collective efforts aim to ensure the smooth and dignified execution of this sacred exhibition.

Presidential Homage and Blessings from the Maha Sangha

During his visit to Kandy, President Dissanayake paid homage at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, seeking blessings before proceeding to the Malwathu Maha Viharaya. There, he engaged in discussions with the Chief Prelate of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera. The Maha Sangha chanted Seth Pirith (sacred blessings) for the President, reaffirming their spiritual guidance.

Following this, the President visited the Asgiriya Maha Viharaya, where he met with the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter, Most Venerable Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Thera, and received further blessings from senior monks.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity! How Rare Is This Exposition?

Public expositions of the Sacred Tooth Relic are exceptionally rare, occurring only on momentous occasions, often decades apart. The last full public exposition took place years ago, making this upcoming event a highly anticipated spiritual gathering. Pilgrims and devotees from across the island, and even beyond Sri Lanka, are expected to flock to Kandy to catch a glimpse of the revered relic.