Arrival of Sacred Tooth Relic

Arrival of Sacred Tooth Relic

Arrival the reign of King Kithsirimewan ( 301-328 ), Sudatta, the sub King of Kaalinga, and Hemamaala brought the Tooth Relic of the Buddha to Sri Lanka beacause of unrest in their country. Kithsirimewan carried it in procession and placed the Relic in a Mansion named Datadhathugara. He ordered this procession to be held annually, and this is still done as a traditional festival in the country. The Tooth Relic of the Buddha soon became one of the most sacred objects in the country, and a symbol ok Kingship. The person who was in possession of the Tooth Relic would be the rightful ruler of the country. Therefore, it was often enshrined within the Royal Palace itself.