Kandy Esala perahara begins today :

The most outstanding pageant in the world

By Kalakeerthi Edwin Ariyadasa

Some exceptional events, festivals, pageants and ceremonies define the inner profile of a given culture. Of phenomena that emphatically define Sri Lankan culture, the annual pageant of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is undoubtedly the most outstanding.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic has associated with it, a formal religious aspect. This determines its complex of rites and rituals, conducted scrupulously, right round the year. Over and above that, the holiness and mystique of the Sacred Tooth Relic are deeply entrenched in the system of folk belief in this land.

Awe and reverence

The masses consider the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Temple of the Tooth with a deep sense of awe and reverence. Their lives are dominated by the aura of miraculous mystery that surrounds the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

The story of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy is among the greatest spiritual odysseys of mankind. Today most persons are so overwhelmed by the spectacle and the pageant of the grand perahera, that they have very little inclination to delve into the supreme spiritual adventure behind this sacred event. This colourful religious episode, which is epic in its dramatic power, will deepen and enhance the devotional fervour.

The ‘adventure' starts in ancient Jambudipa (India). An Arahant by the name of Khema obtained the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Supreme Buddha, from His funeral pyre. He placed the Sacred Tooth Relic in charge of King Brahmadatta. Eventually, King Guhaseeva of Kalinga (modern Orissa) inherited the Sacred Tooth Relic. King Pandu, under whose suzerainty King Guhaseeva reigned, outraged at what he look to be this 'heathen' worship of the Tooth, tried to destroy the Sacred Tooth Relic, employing all destructive methods he could imagine. But, the Sacred Tooth Relic remained miraculously unscathed. Converted to Buddhism after this display of miracles, King Pandu endowed the Sacred Tooth Relic with great devotion to King Guhaseeva.

Brahmin couple

His Minister in charge of the rites and rituals of the Sacred Tooth Relic was Prince Danta. King Guhaseeva gave over his daughter Hemamala to Prince Danta, in marriage. When King Guhaseeva was faced with an enemy aggression, which he knew he could not overcome, he directed Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala to take the Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka.

Disguised as a Bramin couple, Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala crossed over to Sri Lanka. Hemamala concealed the Sacred Tooth Relic in her hair.

They arrived in Sri Lanka in the ninth year of King Sri Meghavanna's reign (Sri the dark–complexioned) This was 371 AD.

Formal pageants relating to the Sacred Tooth Relic began that day under royal patronage. The proper history of the pageants associated with the Sacred Tooth Relic dates back to the time immediately succeeding the Maha Parinibbana of the Supreme Buddha.

The early history of the Sacred Tooth Relic is recorded in a Sinhala classic titled Dalada Sirita. This was compiled by Devrada Dam Pasanginavan, (Devaraja The Minister of Religious Affairs), during the reign of King Parakramabahu IV (1302 – 1346).

Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala bring the Sacred Tooth Relic to Sri Lanka

In its chequered history in Sri Lanka, the Sacred Tooth Relic had been housed in a variety of places. To prevent the Sacred Tooth Relic falling into the hands of the enemy, both bhikkhus and laymen underwent untold privations. One bhikkhu trekked through jungles and unchartered terrain, keeping the casket containing the Sacred Tooth Relic on his shoulders. As he carried this burden over a long period, his neck became permanently twisted.

The present Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy was constructed originally by King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1593 – 1604). Under British rule, the first exposition of the Tooth Relic took place on May 29, 1828. The British, it is said, were awed by the miraculous events that accompanied this exposition. In 1853, the custody of the Sacred Tooth Relic was formally passed over to the Chief Prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatta Chapters of the Siamese Sect and to the Diyawadana Nilame.

Rites and rituals

Today, the pageantry associated with the annual procession of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic retains the age-old traditionally hallowed rites and rituals.

Even today, some of those who perform duties related to the rituals of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the annual procession are descendants of those who were assigned to those tasks in the feudal era. The pageant itself is among the world's most spectacular events. Elephants - quite a multitude of them proceed in the procession in a subdued and disciplined gait. They are gaily caparisoned to reflect the colour of the deity of the particular temple represented by a given section of the procession.

The elephant bearing the casket containing the Sacred Tooth Relic is the main focus of the pageant. The solemn, dignified gait of this leading elephant impresses the spectator. Elephant owners deem it a privilege to have one of their elephants bear the sacred casket.

Dancers, drummers, performers of various spectacular dexterities, add glory and colour to the perahera. Whip-crackers and those who twirl fire-balls are among those who contribute their skills to enhance the allure of the pageant.

Exotic uniqueness

This annual pageant (perahera) fascinates travellers from abroad by its exotic uniqueness. Over decades, kings, queens, crown princes, scholars and men and women of prominence in a variety of fields have witnessed this event. Some have recorded their impressions.

The highest lay official in the hierarchy of custodians of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and its subsidiary institutions is the Diyawadana Nilame. He walks in the parade.

The current Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara has initiated programs to develop the Temple of the Tooth and its adjuncts in a variety of ways. Centres of academic study and museums are among the areas he has focused on.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the annual pageant are among the most widely photographed scenes by the global community of tourists.

Since such sacred and serene sights are fast diminishing the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the pageant will continue to be globally attractive.