The Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha is one of the most revered objects in Buddhism, symbolizing faith, resilience, and devotion. Its story spans over 2,500 years, marked by miracles, wars, theft, destruction, and even terrorist attacks. Today, it rests in the iconic Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, continuing to inspire millions of devotees and travelers worldwide.
Origins of the Sacred Tooth Relic
The story of the Sacred Tooth Relic begins at Kushinagar, in the Gangetic plains of India, where Buddha attained Parinirvana and his body was cremated. Among the ashes, Khema, one of Buddha’s foremost female disciples, retrieved the left upper canine tooth and entrusted it to King Brahmadatta of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha, India).
Chronicles of the Tooth in Kalinga
The relic was enshrined in the capital city of Dantapura, now associated with the holy city of Puri. Despite being a Hindu king, Brahmadatta and his successors worshipped the relic for centuries. By the fourth century, it came into the possession of King Guhasiva of Kalinga, who had converted to Buddhism. The Dathavamsa (Chronicles of the Tooth), written in 310 AD, details the journey and significance of the relic during this period.
The Relic’s Miracles and Wars in India
As a symbol of power and legitimacy, the relic became a coveted possession. When Emperor Pandu of India ordered its destruction, miraculous events unfolded. Despite being thrown into fire, smashed with a hammer, and submerged in a filthy ditch, the tooth remained unharmed, showcasing its divine nature. These miracles even inspired Emperor Pandu and others to convert to Buddhism.
But the relic’s safety in India was short-lived. Continuous wars in Kalinga forced King Guhasiva to entrust the relic to his daughter Hemamala and her husband Dantakumar, who smuggled it to Sri Lanka, hidden in the princess’s hair.
The Arrival of the Tooth Relic in Sri Lanka
The royal couple arrived in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s ancient capital, where King Kirthi Siri Meghavanna enshrined the relic in a temple called Dhammacakkageha within the royal palace complex. Over time, the relic became a symbol of sovereignty, with rulers fiercely protecting it.
The Chinese monk Faxian, who visited Sri Lanka in the 5th century, documented the rituals and immense reverence associated with the relic. By then, a belief had solidified that possession of the Sacred Tooth Relic bestowed divine authority to rule.
Wars and Relocations: The Tooth Relic’s Turbulent History
The Sacred Tooth Relic endured numerous challenges during its time in Sri Lanka:
- Polonnaruwa Era: The relic was relocated as the capital shifted to Polonnaruwa in the 11th century.
- Java Invasion: In 1247, King Chandrabhanu of Java attempted to seize the relic but was defeated by King Parakramabahu II.
- Yapahuwa: To safeguard the relic from South Indian invaders, King Bhuvenakabahu moved it to the rock fortress of Yapahuwa in 1272. However, the Pandyas of South India briefly captured the relic in 1284 before it was recovered by King Parakkramabahu III.
The Portuguese Capture and the Mystery of Destruction
In 1560, the Portuguese invaded Sri Lanka and captured the Sacred Tooth Relic during their raid on Jaffnapatam. The Viceroy of Goa, Constantino De Bragança, reportedly destroyed the relic in a dramatic public event. According to Portuguese historian Diogo do Couto, the relic was crushed to powder, burned, and the ashes thrown into the Mandovi River.
However, Buddhist accounts and legends suggest otherwise. Some believe the destroyed relic was a replica, while the original was hidden in Sri Lanka throughout the Portuguese invasions. Others claim that the relic reappeared miraculously in Sri Lanka after its “destruction.”
Safeguarding the Relic in Kandy
The Sacred Tooth Relic was eventually relocated to Kandy, where the current Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) was built in the early 18th century. Despite repeated invasions and conflicts, the relic remained a symbol of unity and faith for Buddhists.
The British Era
When the British colonized Sri Lanka in 1815, monks hid the relic fearing desecration. However, Governor Robert Browning respected the Buddhist faith and ensured the relic was returned to its rightful place in Kandy.
Terrorist Attack on the Temple of the Tooth
The Sacred Tooth Relic faced one of its gravest threats in modern times during the Sri Lankan Civil War. In 1998, the LTTE (Tamil Tigers) launched a suicide bombing attack on the Temple of the Tooth, killing 11 people and damaging parts of the temple. Miraculously, the core chamber housing the relic remained unharmed.
The Temple of the Tooth: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Today, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations for Buddhists worldwide. The relic is the centerpiece of the Esala Perahera Festival, a grand celebration featuring cultural performances, processions, and thousands of devotees.
The Tooth Relic: A Symbol of Faith and Resilience
From Kalinga to Kandy, the Sacred Tooth Relic has endured wars, destruction, and even terrorist attacks, yet it remains a beacon of hope and devotion. For Buddhists, it represents the teachings of the Buddha and the enduring strength of their faith.
Plan Your Pilgrimage with Bodhisattva Travels
Are you inspired by the story of the Sacred Tooth Relic? Join us at Bodhisattva Travels for a pilgrimage to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and other sacred Buddhist sites. Let us guide you through the journey of faith and history.
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