The majestic pageant held in honor of the sacred Tooth Relic of Gautama Buddha is a symbol of safety, abundance, and prosperity for the nation.

This grand procession, once banned by the British Governor, was later reinstated as a state-sponsored event. Although an untimely epidemic disrupted the tradition one year, the Governor, guided by the Maha Sangha, decided to make the pageant an annual celebration once the crisis had passed.

Beyond its religious significance, the pageant has captured international attention for its dazzling cultural performances and diverse entertainment.

The historic procession is a feast for the eyes, featuring banners, standards, and an array of traditional performers: whip crackers, rhythmic drummers, clarinet blowers, and the magnificent Kandyan dancers. The streets come alive with the glow of torchbearers, while the most awe-inspiring sight is the elephants and tuskers, majestically parading through the crowds in their ornate, intricately designed costumes.

This event is eagerly anticipated every year, drawing spectators from all walks of life.

The origins of the Kandy Esala Perahera trace back to King Kithsiri Mevan (Megavanna) (301 – 328 BC). Throughout history, Indian kings waged wars over possession of the Buddha’s Relics.

In the 4th Century B.C., King Guhashiva of Kalinga held the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Faced with imminent war from two powerful princes who desired the relic, King Guhashiva resolved not to surrender it. He entrusted his daughter, Princess Hemamali, and her husband, Prince Dantha, with the crucial task of safeguarding the relic from enemy forces.

As the situation grew dire, King Guhashiva instructed the couple to flee to Sri Lanka, disguising themselves as Brahmin pilgrims. Their mission was to deliver the Sacred Relic to King Kithsiri Mevan of Anuradhapura as a royal gift.

The Secret Mission of Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha

Upon learning of King Guhashiva's demise and the state's defeat, the royal couple abandoned their regal attire, disguised themselves, and set out on their perilous journey.

Princess Hemamali cleverly concealed the tiny golden Relic Casket in her knotted hair atop her head. Their journey was fraught with challenges as they traversed forests teeming with wild beasts, enduring hunger and exhaustion with no rest. They relied solely on their guardian deities for protection.

As they reached the edge of the jungle, they came across a sandy valley. During a brief rest, the princess hid the Relic Casket beneath a sand pagoda they built.

A miraculous event unfolded when beams of light emanated from the Relic. An Arahant named Khema, passing by, noticed this spectacle and descended to meet the royal couple. He blessed their mission and advised them to call upon him if they encountered any obstacles.

Resting peacefully, the couple was unaware that a powerful king cobra named Pandubhara had witnessed the lights from the sand pagoda. Devoutly, the Naga secretly took the Relic Casket and vanished to the great Mountain Mahameru.

When the couple awoke and realized the Sacred Relic was missing, they prayed for the Arahant Khema's help. The Arahant, in the form of an eagle, confronted the Naga, who, understanding the spiritual significance, agreed to return the Relic Casket for the greater good.

With the Relic safely returned, the royal couple resumed their journey, arriving at the naval city of Tamalingamu. The Sacred Relic was warmly welcomed by a large, reverent crowd.

With renewed confidence from Arahant Khema's blessings, the royals reached the Indian shores and secured passage to the island of Serendib. The voyage was smooth, and amidst music and rituals, they performed poojas to honor the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Yet again, they faced obstacles as Nagas encircled their ship. However, the Sacred Relic appeared in the sky, allowing all to pay their respects. The joyful Nagas danced in reverence, and with Arahant Khema's intervention, the ship continued its journey, marking a golden chapter in Sri Lanka's history.

Upon landing on Sri Lankan shores, Prince Dantha and Princess Hemamali were hosted by a Brahmin at a Kovil. Following his guidance, they traveled through jungle paths to Meghagiri Viharaya, where they met the incumbent Thera.

The Maha Thera immediately informed King Kithsiri Mevan of their arrival. Overjoyed, the King ordered preparations for a ceremonial welcome.

King Kithsiri Mevan listened to the couple’s tale and, after paying homage to the Sacred Relic, inquired about its unusual shade. To dispel any doubts, the Relic miraculously emerged from its casket, radiating a luminous aura in the sky.

Under royal patronage, Anuradhapura was lavishly decorated. In a splendid procession, Princess Hemamali and Prince Dantha, along with the Sacred Tooth Relic, were escorted to the King’s Palace. There, King Kithsiri Mevan carried the Sacred Relic on his head, placing it on his royal throne covered with jasmine flowers. He vowed to entrust the island of Serendib and its people with the custody and protection of the Sacred Relic.

The King arranged for the Princess and Prince to reside permanently in Sri Lanka. In response to the people's plea, he also ordered a public exposition of the Sacred Relic in Anuradhapura, where it was enshrined at the Isurumuni and Dhamma Cakka Vihara.

Over time, the Relic was moved for safekeeping due to foreign threats, ultimately being enshrined at the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

The Esala Perahera

During the early years of Kandyan Kings, processions and festivals were held during the Esala season to seek the blessings of Gods Sri Vishnu, Kataragama, Natha, and Patthini.

A religious renaissance occurred during King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe’s reign when Ven. Asarana Sarana Saranankara Welivita Sri Sangaraja Mahathera reestablished higher ordination. During a Devala Perahera passing by the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Upali Maha Thera proposed that the Sri Dalada Perahera should lead such processions. Thus, the annual Kandy Esala Perahera was initiated and continues to this day.

When Ceylon became a British colony, the Relic was placed under British custody. However, dissatisfaction among the Mahasangha led to Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Maha Thera taking charge of the Tooth Relic and hiding it in the Dambulla forests. After peace talks, the Relic was returned to Kandy, where it remains at the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Since the Buddha's passing, the Relics of the Exalted One have been revered and carried in ceremonial processions, a tradition that continues to inspire devotion and unity.

 

Usemee.lk - Author