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 perahera 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.
The shrine stands in the same compound as the sacred bo tree known as Wel Bodhiya, and the Sri Vishnu Devalaya is a few steps away, so you can see both guardian shrines in one short visit. Shoes come off at the entrance. The busiest times are the morning and evening offerings, when drummers play and devotees bring flowers, fruit and oil lamps. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is just across the road.
At a glance
- Entry fee: Free
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours, sanctum sanctorum opens only for prayer times.
- Time needed: About 15 to 30 minutes covers the shrine comfortably.
- Best time: Early morning or evening, coinciding with temple prayer times.
How to get there
Located right in front of the Royal Palace complex, opposite Sri Dalada Maligawa, walkable from anywhere in central Kandy.