The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is one of the most revered religious sites in Sri Lanka and across the Buddhist world. But beyond its spiritual significance, the temple has a fascinating backstory full of lesser-known facts:

1. It Symbolised Political Power: For centuries, whoever held the tooth relic held the political power to rule Sri Lanka. Kings housed it in their palaces to legitimise their reign.
   

    

2. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1988, UNESCO recognised the temple’s cultural and historical importance by naming it a World Heritage Site.
   

    

3. It Was Almost Destroyed: In 1998, a bomb attack severely damaged parts of the temple, but the relic itself was miraculously unharmed, reinforcing its sacred status.
   

    

4. Daily Rituals Continue Today: Rituals are performed three times a day by monks. These offerings of flowers, incense, and chanting have been ongoing for centuries.
   

    

5. It’s Part of a Larger Complex: The temple sits within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, making it not just a religious monument but also a historical and architectural site.

If you’re planning a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, consider going at 9 am or 6:30 pm to view the ceremonies.