Dalada Maligava - Sri Dalada Maligawa Kandy: A Sacred and Pilgrimage Place

The Sri Dalada Palace in Kandy, Sri Lanka is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists around the world. This temple is also known as Sri Dalada The palace houses the Lord Buddha's Tooth Relic, making it one of the most visited religious shrines in Sri Lanka.

History and Significance

The history of Dalada Palace dates back to the 4th century AD during the reign of King Kitsiri. Meghavanna. This temple was originally built to enshrine Lord Buddha's Sri Dalada, which was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and Prince Danta from India .

Since then, the temple has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, including the construction of a new temple complex in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, this temple is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Architecture and Design

Dalada Palace is a stunning example of Sri Lankan traditional architecture and design. The temple complex features intricate carvings, colourful paintings and a beautiful courtyard.

The main temple building is a two-storied structure with a red tiled roof and white walls. The interior of the temple is equally impressive with elaborate wood carvings and frescoes depicting scenes from Lord Buddha's life.

Visitors to the temple can explore the various museums and exhibitions housed within the temple complex, which showcase the history and significance of the temple and Dalada.

Festivals and Festivals

Dalada Palace is home to many important festivals and events throughout the year. The most important of these is Esala Perahera a grand procession held in July or August every year.

Asala _ The Perahera is a colourful festival that lasts for ten days and includes colourful parades, traditional dances and musical performances. The highlight of this festival is the grand procession in which an ornately decorated elephant parades through the streets of Kandy.

Temple visit

If you are planning to visit Dalada Palace, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The temple is open to visitors every day from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm, but it can get crowded during the tourist season.

                                                                                                                             

Visitors should dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temple complex. Photography is allowed but not during important ceremonies or celebrations.