Day 5: Catch up

Recovering from yesterday's trip, today was quiet and spent preparing lectures, editing manuscripts and completing peer reviews. 

This lends itself to an opportunity to share images from Sri Dalada Maligawa or the "Temple of the Sacred Tooth", where we went for some quiet reflection. Before entering we purchased flowers (jasmine) and incense for an offering.

The tooth relic was smuggled to the island by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha on the instructions of her father King Guhasiva (circa 301-328 AD). Custodianship of the relic became symbolic of power and the right to rule. The relic therefore migrated with monarchs and the location of the relic established the capital. It moved to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa, Kurunegala and Kotte kingdoms. 

The relic was brought to Kandy twice: The first time in 1590 by Vimaladharmasuriya I of Kandy (1590-1604) until 1603 when the Portuguese invaded, and the second time by Rajasimha II, (1629 – 1687) who was responsible for allying with the Dutch to remove Portuguese Imperialism.

Lotus and Jasmine flowers sold outside the temple. 

Offerings made at the vault housing the sacred tooth relic.

Inside the temple of the tooth.

An alter at the temple where monks lead three public prayers a day.

This temple hall tells the history of the tooth relic in 18 stages with artwork and description.

This outdoor area hosts individual prayers as they light a wick in oil.

Incense lit in prayer or wish.

School girls on a fieldtrip to the temple were very social.

We did have a chance to go to dinner with Thivanka's family at the Senani Hotel that has sweeping views of Kandy by night and a clear view of the giant Kandian Buddha statue.

Thivanka's family and my kind hosts from left to right Chathurika (younger sister, punchi), Cyril (appa) and Swarna (amma).