Kandy Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa): octagonal Patthirippuwa and ola leaf library?
What architectural history and ancient manuscript collections are housed inside the octagonal library pavilion of Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy?
More
5 Answers from travellers
The Octagon (Patthirippuwa) of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy was designed and added in 1802 by royal architect Devendra Mulachari under King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. Featuring an ornate Kandyan roof with white eaves and carved wooden pillars, the Patthirippuwa was originally used by the king to address public gatherings assembled around Kandy Lake. Today, the upper floor houses the Maligawa Manuscript Library (Puskola Poth Len), preserving an invaluable collection of hundreds of rare ancient Ola leaf (Talipot palm) Buddhist manuscripts written in Pali and Sinhala, inscribed with a steel stylus and cured with lampblack and Dummala resin.
Access to the interior manuscript library is restricted to authorized scholars and monastic researchers with prior Central Cultural Fund clearance.
The exterior balcony of the Patthirippuwa offers panoramic views across Kandy Lake, the golden canopy roof, and surrounding temple courtyards.
Recent timber conservation projects replaced damaged roof rafters using seasoned traditional Jak wood to prevent termite destruction.
Visitors walking the lower ground floor can view historical photographs and royal temple decrees exhibited in glass display cases.
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