The Sacred Tooth Relic: An incredible journey, documented

The dawn of the New Year 2025 is further glorified by the meritorious 'Exposition of the sacred Tooth Relic of the 'Gautama Samma Sambuddha' at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy, beginning April 18 to April 27.

- By Kumar Wethasinghe

Historical Chronicles

Five hundred years after the arrival of Priestess Sanghamitta Theri, and the plantation ceremony of Jaya Sri Maha Bhodhi at the Mahamewna gardens, the sacred relic of the Gautama Samma Sambuddha, was gifted to King Kithsiri Mewan by the King Guhaseeva of Kalinga state.

According to Historical Chronicles and ancient records of the Chinese Pilgrim Fa Hien, and Dalada Siritha, vivid descriptions are highlighted. From time to time, state kings in India fought against each other to take possession of the Buddha's relics during the 4th century B.C. A sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha was in the procession of King Guhaseeva. At the time, two powerful state princesses declared war against King Guhaseeva on the same issue. King Guhaseeva, realising the impending threat and danger, determined not to surrender the sacred relic to the enemies. Accordingly, he entrusted his only daughter, Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha to safeguard the Relic from the enemy forces in case they won the war. The King also instructed them to be prepared and to vanish in disguise to Sri Lanka. He wanted them to hand over the sacred relic to his contemporary King Kithsiri Mewan, of Anuradhapura, as a Royal gift from him.

The great expedition

On hearing about the demise of King Guhaseeva and the defeat of the state, the duo gave up their Royal regalia and, after disguising themselves as Brahmin pilgrims, they set forth to embark on their adventurous mission. Princess Hemamali secretly carried the tiny golden relic casket on top of her head.

Hidden within her knotted hair, their task in the espionage became gruesome and challenging. They walked through the forests infested with dangerous wild beasts and suffered thirst and hunger with no rest or sleep day and night. They could only depend on guardian deities.