The Sacred Dalada Maligawa of Anuradhapura
Discover the spiritual essence of Sri Lanka at the Dalada Maligawa, home to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha in historic Anuradhapura.
A brief summary to Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
- 9C52+VH6, Anuradhapura, LK
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth, is a historical landmark nestled in the heart of Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals. This sacred site is renowned for housing the revered tooth relic of the Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for Buddhists around the world. The temple's architecture is a stunning blend of traditional Sri Lankan design, showcasing intricate carvings, majestic pillars, and beautifully landscaped gardens that create a serene atmosphere. Visitors can expect to witness daily rituals and offerings, which highlight the deep spiritual connection the locals have with this landmark. As you explore the temple complex, take a moment to appreciate the surrounding historical sites that contribute to Anuradhapura's UNESCO World Heritage status. The area is dotted with ancient stupas, monastic buildings, and inscriptions that tell the story of Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the iconic Ruwanwelisaya stupa, an architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the skill of ancient artisans. The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced by the sights and sounds of devoted worshippers, adding to the spiritual ambiance that envelops Dalada Maligawa. For those interested in local culture, the temple offers an opportunity to engage with friendly monks and learn more about the significance of the relic housed within its walls. The best time to visit is during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is perfect for photography and the temple is less crowded. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a lover of history, Dalada Maligawa promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a more tranquil experience and fewer crowds.
- Dress modestly and respectfully when entering the temple.
- Take time to explore the surrounding ancient ruins for a complete historical experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, input the coordinates 9C52+VH6 into your GPS or navigation app. From central Anuradhapura, head east on the A9 highway. Continue straight until you reach the junction with the A12 road, then turn left onto A12. Follow the signs for Dalada Maligawa, which will lead you directly to the site. There is parking available near the entrance.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
To reach Dalada Maligawa via public transportation, take a local bus to Anuradhapura Bus Stand. From the Bus Stand, look for buses heading towards the 'Sri Maha Bodhi' or 'Temple of the Tooth' areas. These buses frequently run and will drop you off close to Dalada Maligawa. It is advisable to ask the driver to inform you when to get off. The bus fare is typically low, around LKR 20-50.
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Tuk-Tuk
For a more direct route, consider hiring a tuk-tuk. You can find tuk-tuk drivers near popular tourist spots or the bus station. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey; it usually costs around LKR 200-500 depending on your starting point in Anuradhapura. The tuk-tuk will take you directly to Dalada Maligawa.
Attractions Nearby to Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
- Mahapali Refectory
- Vaulted Vihara (Gedige) Image House of Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර ගෙඩිගේ ප්රතිමා ගෘහය
- Thuparama Alms Hall ථූපාරාම දාන ශාලාව
- Nakha Vehera
- Thuparamaya
- Thimbiri Pokuna - තිඹිරි පොකුණ
- Image House of Jethawanaramaya - ජේතවනාරාම පිළිම ගෙය
- Jethawanarama Pilima Geya - ජේතවනාරාමය පිළිම ගෙය
- Jethawanaramaya
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya Viewing Point
- අභයගිරි කෞතුකාගාරය - Abhayagiri Museum
- Jethawanarama Monastery Complex
- Ruwanweli Maha Seya Wheelchair Entry
- The Entrance for the Disabled to the Ruwanwalisaya
- Yathuru Pokuna
Landmarks nearby to Dalada Maligawa Anuradhapura - අනුරාධපුර පුරාණ දළදා මාලිගාව
- Pūraṇa Bhikkuṇī Upāsaya පූරණ භික්ෂුණී උපාසය
- King Dutugemunu Pillar දුටුගැමුණු ශිලා ස්ථම්භය
- Ancient Round Well ඓතිහාසික වට පොකුණ
- Buddhist Railing
- Samuddhagiri Vihara Monastery
- Ancient Lavetory Complex - පුරාණ වැසිකිලි සංකීර්ණය
- Main Image House
- Unidentified structure
- උත්තරමූළය - අභයගිරිය
- North Pond [ උතුරු පොකුණ ]
- Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura
- Rathna Prasadaya | මුරගල
- Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
- Maha Viharaya, Anuradhapura
- Tamil Householder's Inscription (දමිළ ගෘහපති ලිපිය)