Anyone who has been or planning to go to Kandy in Sri Lanka knows that the great Temple of the Tooth or the Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most important attraction in the city and one of the biggest in the nation. Here are some of its highlights that should not be missed.
Ambarawa (Tunnel)
The Ambarawa is no ordinary tunnel. At a length of 29 feet and 08 inches and a breath of 8 feet, the Ambarawa leads the way to ‘Hewisi Mandapaya. Painted along the walls of the tunnel are stunning murals of many shapes, patterns and stories. If you’re staying at a hotel in Kandy that organizes guided tours to the Dalada Maligawa like the Hotel Hilltop Kandy does; you can get a well detailed insight into the unique style of art that you will see here.
Paththirippuwa (The Octagon)
A perfect symbol of the spectacular style of architecture of Kandy, the Paththirippuwa is shaped as an octagon with a curiously shaped roof. It was originally used by the kings as a sort of a resting place but currently the Paththirippuwa houses Buddhist scriptures written in Ola leaf.
Wada Sitina Maligawa
Located in front of the Hewisi Mandapaya, the Wada Sitina Maligawa is where the sacred tooth relic of the Gautama Buddha can be found enshrined within a majestic gold, bejewelled casket in the shape of a stupa.
Hewisi Mandapaya
Meaning the drummer’s dais or platform, the Hewisi Mandapaya is where the Hewisi Poojawa (offering of Hewisi/ drums) is conducted daily to honour the sacred relic. As its done according to the Kandyan tradition, five types of musical instruments are used in the ritual.
