Sri Dalada Maligawa
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy.

The Sri Dalada Maligavia is one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in Sri Lanka as it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Rulers of Sri Lanka were guardians of the Tooth Relic and whoever had the custody of the Sacred Relic was acclaimed the ruler. The last capital of the kingdom of Sri Lanka was Kandy. King Vimaladharmasuriya built the Dalada Maligawa in 1603 CE.

The annual Esala Perahera, a colourful procession/festival is held in July / August when after an exposition, the casket containing the Sacred Relic is taken round the city of Kandy on ten nights with a grand finale on the eleventh day when the day Perahera is held.