Sri Natha Devalaya Kandy
The Nātha Devāla is a historic shrine located on the terrace in front of the Royal Palace complex in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Tradition holds that the shrine existed even before the arrival of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
The Sri Natha Devalaya in Kandy holds a special place among the city's four guardian shrines, not just for its religious significance but for its age, it's believed to be the oldest structure still standing within the sacred city, predating even the Temple of the Tooth Relic itself. Dedicated to the deity Natha, regarded in Sri Lankan Buddhist tradition as a bodhisattva and the guardian deity of Kandy, the devalaya reflects a form of worship that blends Mahayana Buddhist influence with the island's native devotional practices.
Natha holds a particularly significant role in local belief, seen by many as the deity destined to become the next Buddha, Maitreya, making his shrine one of quiet spiritual weight rather than dramatic display. The building itself carries a distinct architectural character, its stone pillars and structure showing clear traces of South Indian influence, dating back to a period believed to predate the Kandyan kingdom's later temple constructions.
During the Esala Perahera, the Natha Devalaya holds a place of particular honour, its procession traditionally leads the way, setting the tone for the peraheras of the other guardian deities and the Tooth Relic that follow. Beyond festival season, the devalaya remains an active, if understated, place of worship, its aged stone walls and modest surroundings standing in quiet contrast to the grandeur nearby, a fitting reflection of Natha's role as a steady, foundational presence within Kandy's layered spiritual landscape.
At a glance
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Sri Natha Devalaya Kandy?
- Free.