Dalada Maligawa- what you should know

Dalada Maligawa ( Sacred Temple of the Tooth) is one of the most visited religious places in Sri Lanka.

This spiritual place attracts thousands of tourists daily from all corners of  the world and from all walks of life.

All those arrive or planning to arrive at Dalada Maligawa do have some Frequently asked questions. Let us see those questions and answers for them.

 1. What are the Entrance Guidelines for Local and Foreign Visitors?

• 🎒 Luggage & Footwear: Please hand over footwear, large bags, and non-essential items at the designated reception booths and collect your token.
  • Separate booths are available for local devotees and foreign tourists.
• 🔍 Security Screening: All visitors will be screened at the entrance.
  • This includes scanning of personal items and offerings.
• 🚫 Restricted Items:
  • Avoid bringing harmful materials such as polythene and plastic.
  • Offerings in polythene/plastic bags or containers are not allowed.
• 👕 Dress Code:
  • Please dress respectfully and modestly.
  • Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing.
  • Free appropriate attire is available at the entrance if needed.

2. Ticket Prices for Entry?

• South Asian countries, Myanmar, and Thailand: LKR 1,500 per person
• All other countries: LKR 2,000 per person

Tickets are issued automatically via ticket machines at the Temple entrance.

 3. Opening Hours of the Temple?

• The temple is open daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Sri Lanka Time, +0530 GMT)

 4. What Are the Times of the Daily Rituals (Thewawa)?

• Morning Ritual: 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM
• Midday Ritual: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
• Evening Ritual: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

These sacred rituals involve drumming, offerings, and access to the relic chamber for blessings.

5. What is the ‘Nanumura Mangallaya’?

• This is the bathing of the Sacred Tooth Relic with a special herbal preparation.
• Held every Wednesday at 9:30 AM
• The herbal mix used is believed to have healing properties, and a portion is distributed to devotees after the ritual.

 6. How Is the Offering of a Child Done?

• This sacred offering can be performed daily at 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
• Eligibility:
  • The child must be between 3 to 6 months old.
  • One adult is allowed to accompany the child to the Inner Chamber (Wedasitina Maligaya).

 7. How to Meet the Hon. Diyawadana Nilame (Chief Custodian)?

• He is available for meetings every Wednesday at his office at the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
• Advance appointments must be arranged through the Administration Division.

Contact: +94 81 220 4867

8. Is There Assistance for Visitors with Special Needs?

Yes. A dedicated service is available to assist visitors with special needs.

• Services include:
  • Transport assistance from the main entrance.
  • Lift access to facilitate temple visits.
• Contact the administration office at 081 223 4226 to make arrangements in advance.

Read: Medirigiriya Watadageya: A Timeless Buddhist Relic of Sri Lanka.