Sri Dalada Maligawa - Sri Lanka - Traditional Drumming - හේවිසි ශබ්ද පූජා,Sri Dalada Maligawa Thewawa, Kandy, ශ්රී දළදා තේවාව -The sacred Temple of Tooth
The sacred Temple of Tooth is a world-renowned place of worship where the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha is placed. This holy place, which is venerated by local and foreign devotees every day, was named a world heritage in 1988 by UNESCO
The Temple of Tooth at the final location of the Sacred Kandy is Tooth (Left Canine) of the Buddha, which was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kirtisri Megahavanna (301-328) by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala from the kingdom of Kalinga, India. It became the palladium of the Sri Lankan Kings and was preciously guarded in a special shrine built within the precincts of the royal palace, wherever the capital was located. Kandy, the last capital, the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple continues to be the greatest Shrine that receives the utmost veneration of the Buddhist world.
Sacred Pooja and Rituals for Lord Buddha
Ananda Thero was the chief personal attendant of living Lord Buddha. He had pure and endless affection and respect towards Lord Buddha. Without any ulterior motives, he dedicated his entire life being the personnel help Lord Buddha.
The sacred left canine tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is placed in the sacred Temple of Tooth in Kandy, is being blessed with poojas and rituals since it is regarded today as the living Lord Buddha. The personal attendance and traditional services dedicated to Lord Buddha carried out by Ananda Thero back then, are being carried on today as Thewa (daily services) which are led by the Maha Nayaka Thero of Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters and followed by the residing Maha Sanga of those temples. Besides the daily services (Theva), there are also weekly and annual poojas and rituals dedicated to the sacred tooth relic which are continuously carried out since ancient times to the present.
Annually, the daily service (Thewa) shift is changed on the day of the rainy retreat (Vassa retreat) which falls after Esala full moon Poya day, under the initiation of Mahanayaka Theros of Asgiri and Malwathu Chapters; and the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of Tooth Relic. On this occasion, the Secretary Mohottala reads the inventories of the upper floor, the lower floor, the octagon (Paththirippuwa), and the hermitage of the Thero who is in charge of Thewawa. After the reading, the items in the inventories are shown, handed over, and received again. Afterward, those inventories are signed by the Mahanayaka Theros and the Diyawadana Nilame. Then, relevant keys are received and handed over after a brief discourse. It is considered fortunate and meritful for a Thero to have the opportunity to conduct the Tevava for the sacred tooth relic.
The Early Period of Service: 5.30 a.m. - 7.00 a.m.
The Middle Period of Service: 9.30 a.m - 11.00 a.m.
The Evening Period of Service: 6.30 p.m - 8.00 p.m.
The Early Period of Service:
This is called “Theva” and there are tree services. The early period of service, the Middle period of service, and the Evening Period of service. The Early Period of Service commences at 5.15a.m. with the beating of Hewisi drums. Everything here is performed according to a schedule those who attend these services must wait till the care trackers open the doors. The religious services are performed by few services and the same devotion offered to Lord Buddha is offered to the Sacred Tooth Relic as well. Jasmine flowers are offered and other offerings are made with great devotion. Removal of the offerings done with great devotion according to a system. Starting from Silver vessels and ending with Gold vessels. As these vessels are to be protected with respect only a Monk assigned to this task is permitted to touch them.
The Middle Period of Service
Starts around 9.30.a.m and concludes at 10.30.a.m this is the daily meal offered to Lord Buddha called Buddha Pooja. The same monk who attended the early period of service performs this service.
The arrangement of his meals and offering of flowers, performed by the two Monks. Outsiders cannot witness this service. The removal of the foods also done by the same Monks. According to schedule in the midst of Maghul Bera sounds. The doors are closed after the respective official inspect everything inside.
The Evening Period of Service
This starts around 6.30.p.m and goes till 7.15.p.m in the midst of Hewisi sound withered and old flowers are removed and fresh flowers are offered. Tree bowls of Honey, Ginger Juice, and Ghee are also offered. At this time devotes could offer flowers in the shrine room.
Address:
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Kandy 20000
Sri Lanka.
