The Dalada Maligawa (09) 

A building distinguished by tall stone columns is found next to the Mahapali Alms hall. An inscription has provided evidence that this was the Temple of the Tooth Relic in ancient times. The Tooth Relic was originally in Kalinga, but by the early 4^th century A.D. Buddhism was on the decline there, and the Tooth Relic was no longer safe, so it was brought to Sri Lanka. The Tooth Relic was considered a very important symbol in Sri Lanka. The Tooth Relic was carried in a procession, which had distinct similarities to the modern ‘perahera’, and was taken to the Abayagiri where it was shown to the people. The Tooth Relic itself was probably kept upstairs, in the part of the building that has not survived.

The Tooth Relic was originally kept to the south of the city, but later it was brought closer to the Royal palace, and became associated with the kingship.