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The splendid Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy is a greatly venerated religious and cultural site in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Kandy has for many centuries been a focal point for the Buddhist faithful around the world and the tooth relic is unquestionably its most revered object of worship. The magnificent temple dates to the 17th century and is indeed thought to contain a canine tooth of the venerated Lord Buddha. A multitude of devotees, attired in white and bearing blossoms and incense visit the shrine every day. Tradition holds that the tooth relic was obtained from the remains of the Buddha as he reposed on his cremation pyre. The priceless relic was smuggled to the island in the early part of the 4th century concealed in the hair of the Indian princess Hemamali as she fled the armies of Hindus attacking her father's realm. In Sri Lanka the relic was accorded great honour and reverence and was placed within a series of jewelled caskets, each slightly larger than the preceding one. The object of worship was only removed from its place on very important occasions and has survived numerous attempts by hostile forces to capture or destroy it. The temple itself is one of the celebrated sights of Kandy with its white exterior and red roofs. Although the exterior is not particularly striking or elaborate the interiors of the temple are ornate and exquisitely fashioned. With rich carvings, ivory decorations, wooden inlaid details and touches of lacquer no one is left unmoved by this grand and regal setting. The relic itself is encased in jewelled caskets and rests on a lotus shaped receptacle of solid gold, which is placed upon a throne. The major temple festival is the Esala Perahera when a casket representing the relic is carried on the back of a majestic elephant accompanied by up to 100 other elephants, drummers, dancers and other participants. This procession is witnessed by thousands of onlookers lining the streets of Kandy. If you are interested in seeing the sights of the country and are considering Sri Lanka hotels an outstanding choice would be the Jetwing Hotel. One of the convenient hotels in Sri Lanka this fine rest offers comfortable accommodations and welcoming hospitality. Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+
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