Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
An active Buddhist place of worship in Kandy that enshrines the Sacred Tooth Relic and anchors the UNESCO-listed sacred city.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is an active Buddhist place of worship in Kandy. The temple's official site states that the Sacred Tooth Relic is enshrined there, and UNESCO identifies the temple as the pilgrimage centre of the Sacred City of Kandy.
Religious significance comes first
This is not only a historic building. The temple's official material describes continuing daily services and wider ritual traditions. Visitors should expect worship to shape how parts of the site are used and follow current guidance without obstructing devotees.
Opening hours and puja times
The temple's official site lists Sri Dalada Maligawa open Monday to Sunday, 5.30 am to 8.00 pm. Its theeva timetable lists three daily services: morning 5.30 am to 7.00 am, midday 9.30 am to 11.00 am, and evening 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm. Ceremony timings and visitor arrangements are the temple's to change, so check its official pages close to your visit.
Dress code: what to wear
- Check the temple's current official information and any date-specific notices.
- Wear clothing suitable for an active Buddhist sacred site and follow instructions at entry.
- Observe photography restrictions and ask before photographing people.
- Keep voices low and allow worshippers space during services.
- Confirm tickets or entry arrangements through the responsible official channel rather than an undated blog.
The site-specific rules in force on the day take priority over any general travel guide. See visiting sacred sites in Sri Lanka for questions to check before arrival.
Temple, sacred city and destination
Use the Sacred City of Kandy page for UNESCO context and the Kandy destination guide for the wider city plan. Keeping those pages distinct prevents the temple's living religious role from being reduced to a generic attraction list.
Is the Temple of the Tooth worth visiting?
Worth it as the living centre of the sacred city and one of Buddhism's most significant temples. Plan the visit around worship times and dress expectations.
Where Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic fits in your route
The Sacred City of Kandy page carries the UNESCO context and the Kandy destination guide the city plan.
The temple is central to the sacred city, but a visit here is not the complete Kandy city experience.
Rules to follow on site
Temple staff and security direct the visitor flow; follow their guidance. Security and ritual move visitors through in a set flow: follow staff directions, keep quiet in the shrine areas and photograph only where the temple allows. Check the temple's official pages close to your visit for times and arrangements.
Sources
Last verified 2026-09-13
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