What are the worship etiquette and rituals at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka?

Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy? That's a national treasure of Sri Lanka, and understanding the etiquette beforehand is indeed very important. It shows respect for the local culture and ensures you have a peaceful and enjoyable visit. Don't worry, the rules aren't that complicated; just remember a few key points.

1. Dress Code is Paramount

This is the most important point. There are staff at the entrance checking attire, and you won't be allowed in if it's deemed inappropriate.

Upper Garments: Must have sleeves and cover your shoulders. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and vests are definitely not allowed. Short-sleeved T-shirts are perfectly fine.
Lower Garments: Pants or skirts must cover the knees. The longer, the better; shorts, hot pants, or mini-skirts are out of the question.
Color: Locals often wear white when worshipping Buddha, symbolizing purity and devotion. As tourists, while not strictly mandatory, wearing light-colored or white clothing can help you blend in more. It also looks great in photos!
Emergency Measures: What if you're dressed incorrectly? Don't panic. Sarongs (a type of long wrap-around skirt) are sold or rented at the temple entrance. A small fee will solve the problem. However, it's always most convenient to prepare in advance. I saw many Western tourists buying sarongs on the spot.

2. Entry Requires "Bare Feet"

Like many temples in Southeast Asia, you need to remove your shoes before entering the Temple of the Tooth Relic as a sign of respect.

Shoe Storage: There's a designated area at the entrance to store your shoes, where you'll be given a token. This service isn't free; you'll need to pay a small fee for safekeeping. Have some small change ready.
Worried About Hot or Dirty Ground?: You can wear a pair of socks. This will protect your feet from the sun-baked ground and feel cleaner. Locals go barefoot, so wearing socks is perfectly acceptable for us.

3. Show Your Reverence – With Flowers

At the entrance of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, you'll see many stalls selling lotus and jasmine flowers. Locals use these as offerings to the Buddha.

Buy a Handful of Lotus Flowers: The flowers are inexpensive. Buy a handful of budding blue or white water lilies, follow the crowd inside, and place them on the offering table yourself. This process itself is very ritualistic and allows you to better experience the local religious atmosphere, rather than just being a tourist checking off a landmark.

4. Conduct Inside the Temple

Maintain Silence: The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a very sacred and active religious site, not just a regular tourist attraction. Therefore, please maintain silence and avoid loud talking, laughing, or horseplay.
Photography Rules: Photography is allowed, but absolutely do not use flash. Furthermore, and most importantly: never take selfies or photos with your back to the Buddha statue. This is extremely disrespectful. You can photograph the Buddha statue, or take a photo with it from the side, but your back must not be directly facing it.
Respect Monks: You will encounter many monks in orange robes. Do not casually touch them, especially if you are a female visitor. A nod, a smile, or a respectful "Anjali" (palms pressed together) is the best way to greet them.

5. Regarding the Veneration of the Tooth Relic Itself

You won't actually see the Tooth Relic itself. The Tooth Relic is enshrined within a golden stupa (reliquary), which is then kept in a sealed chamber.

"Opening" Times: There are fixed worship times (called Puja) daily, usually once in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. During these times, the doors to the chamber housing the stupa will open, and you can queue to go up to the second floor to glimpse the golden stupa from a distance.
Be Prepared for Queues: During Puja times, it can get very crowded. The line moves quickly, and each person typically gets only a few seconds to walk past and see it. Approach the experience with an open mind.

In summary, just remember two words: Respect. Treat it as a sacred place, not just an ordinary attraction. Experience it with your eyes and heart, slow down, and you'll discover that the beauty of the Temple of the Tooth Relic extends far beyond its architecture.

Wishing you a wonderful time in Kandy!