Kandy Sacred Tooth Relic casket (Karanduwa): nested stupas and precious gemstone mounts?
What precious metallurgical layers, Padparadscha sapphires, and royal gemstones adorn the nested golden stupa caskets protecting the sacred tooth relic in Kandy?
More
3 Answers from travellers
The Sacred Tooth Relic (Danta Dhatura) at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy is preserved inside seven concentric nested stupa-shaped golden caskets (Karanduwa). The outermost casket (the Maha Karanduwa, displayed behind bulletproof glass) is crafted of solid beaten copper heavily electro-plated with 24-karat gold and encrusted with 1,600 precious gemstones gifted by Sri Lankan kings. It features unheated royal blue Ceylon sapphires, pigeon-blood rubies, cat’s-eye chrysoberyls, and natural Padparadscha sapphires. At the pinnacle shines a massive faceted diamond presented by King Kirti Sri Rajasinha in the 18th century.
The innermost miniature casket holds the relic itself, supported by a golden wire lotus flower embedded with natural freshwater pearls and emeralds.
Opening the caskets requires an ancient key ceremony involving three custodial dignitaries: the Mahanayake Theros of Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters and the lay Diyawadana Nilame.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- Wildlife parks in Sri Lanka beyond Yala - Wilpattu, Minneriya, Udawalawe - which is worth visiting?2 answers
- Kandy Esala Perahera - when does it happen, where are the best viewing spots, and how do I get seats?2 answers
- Arugam Bay vs Weligama for intermediate surfing - which should I choose and why?2 answers
- Best local food to eat in Colombo - where do locals actually eat and what should I try?2 answers
- How cheap can you realistically travel Sri Lanka on a shoestring - $25-30 USD per day?2 answers
- Ayurveda retreat in Sri Lanka - what to expect and how to find genuine treatment vs tourist trap?2 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture