In a deeply significant and rare event, Sri Lanka’s sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy has been thrust into the spotlight after a photo allegedly showing Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth relic surfaced on social media, despite strict prohibitions on photography within the temple’s innermost sanctum. This development has sparked outrage, controversy, and prompted immediate action from Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is regarded as one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world, and the tooth relic it enshrines is not only a sacred symbol but also a historic artifact of profound religious and political significance. According to Buddhist traditions and historical accounts, the relic—believed to be a tooth of Gautama Buddha—was brought to Sri Lanka centuries ago and is preserved within a seven-casket reliquary, typically never opened to the public.

The Controversial Photograph

What has triggered widespread concern is a photograph, allegedly taken inside the inner sanctum of the temple, showing what is claimed to be the actual tooth relic. The image has gone viral on various social media platforms, prompting an urgent response from the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya.

In a statement released to the press, the acting IGP confirmed that a preliminary investigation is underway to determine how and when the photograph was captured. He acknowledged that mobile phones and cameras are strictly banned in the inner sanctum, which raises serious concerns about security breaches or internal misconduct. “We are investigating every possibility and will involve the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) if deeper probes are necessary,” Weerasooriya stated.

Strict Rules and Rare Exposition

The timing of the incident is especially sensitive as the viral photo emerged during a rare public exposition of the sacred tooth relic, the first such event in 16 years. Held from April 19 to April 27, 2025, this exposition was approved by the current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, drawing tens of thousands of devotees from across Sri Lanka and abroad.

Visitors queue for hours—sometimes for more than a day—just to glimpse the outer reliquary from a distance. During these expositions, devotees are permitted to view the gold-plated outermost casket, but access beyond the barriers is strictly limited to temple officials and senior Buddhist clergy.

Historically, even Sri Lankan kings were the only individuals allowed to enter the chamber that houses the sacred relic. In today’s more democratic context, the inner sanctum remains heavily guarded, with several layers of security protocols in place.

A Breach of Religious Sanctity

The leak of such an image is not only a breach of temple protocols but is being widely regarded as a violation of religious sanctity and cultural respect. The Sinhalese Buddhist majority, who make up around 74% of Sri Lanka’s population, consider the sacred relic as not just a symbol of Buddhism but as a national treasure tied to Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and spiritual integrity.

Geethani Mendis, a 65-year-old devotee from Matale, spoke to reporters near the temple entrance: “We waited hours for a chance to venerate the relic. It’s disheartening to think someone might have used that moment for personal gain or disrespect.”

Call for Accountability

The viral image has triggered strong calls for accountability, both within the religious community and among the general public. Several Buddhist monks and religious groups have expressed concern over the failure to maintain the sanctity of the space, and have demanded swift action to identify and punish the culprit.

The chief custodians of the temple (Diyawadana Nilame) are reportedly in close coordination with police to assist in the investigation. They emphasized that surveillance footage and visitor logs will be examined to trace the source of the breach.

History and Significance of the Relic

The sacred tooth relic is said to have arrived in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Kithsirimevan (circa 4th century AD), hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamala, who fled from India with Prince Dantha. It was later enshrined in various temples before finally being placed in Kandy in 1590.

Over the centuries, the relic became a powerful symbol of kingship and sovereignty. Whoever held the relic was considered the rightful ruler of Sri Lanka, hence its association with political legitimacy.

The Temple of the Tooth has withstood colonial invasions, wars, and even a deadly LTTE bombing in 1998, which damaged parts of the structure but left the sanctum untouched. The site has since been restored and remains under tight security and ceremonial regulation.

Security and Ethics Moving Forward

The incident is likely to trigger a review of current security protocols, especially during mass public events like the exposition. Experts have also called for ethical guidelines to be revisited and better enforced. Suggestions have been made to equip temple officials with scanning devices, reinforce multiple identity verifications, and provide more awareness to devotees on the importance of abiding by religious customs.

At a time when technology can easily intrude into sacred spaces, this incident serves as a reminder of the need for collective responsibility in preserving the spiritual and cultural values that define religious traditions.

Final Thoughts

As the investigation unfolds, Sri Lanka’s religious and political stakeholders are walking a tightrope between transparency, justice, and maintaining the reverence associated with one of Buddhism’s holiest relics. While the photograph’s authenticity is still being verified, what is clear is the urgency for strict enforcement, and more importantly, the need for moral discipline among devotees.

The exposition continues till April 27, under heavy surveillance and heightened scrutiny. Devotees are being urged to remain respectful and adhere to the guidelines laid down by the temple and state authorities.

This incident, though unfortunate, may well be a turning point in how religious heritage is safeguarded in the digital age—balancing the desire for access with the need for preservation and reverence.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.