History & Significance of Natha Devale

Standing quietly in the shadow of its more famous neighbour, Natha Devale holds a distinction that even many Sri Lankans overlook: it is the oldest surviving religious monument in the entire city of Kandy. While tourists flood the adjacent Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic), Natha Devale offers a rarer, more contemplative window into Sri Lanka's layered spiritual past — one that stretches back more than seven centuries.

In This Guide

The devale (shrine) is believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Gampola Kingdom, sometime in the late 14th century, making it a pre-Kandyan structure of extraordinary antiquity. Architectural evidence, including the South Indian–influenced Dravidian stonework and the distinctive lotus-shaped base of the main shrine, places its origins firmly in the 1300s — well before Kandy rose to prominence as the last royal capital of Sri Lanka.

The shrine is dedicated to Natha Deviyo, a deity whose identity sits at a fascinating crossroads of Buddhist and Hindu tradition. In Mahayana Buddhist theology, Natha is identified with Maitreya — the future Buddha who is said to be awaiting the right moment to descend to Earth and guide humanity toward enlightenment. This belief gives the devale a uniquely hopeful, forward-looking spiritual character. Worshippers come not only to honour the past but to invoke a divine being who represents humanity's future liberation.

Over the centuries, Natha Devale evolved into one of the four principal devales of Kandy, the others being those dedicated to Vishnu, Kataragama, and Pattini. Together, these four shrines form a sacred ring around the Kandy Lake and the royal palace complex, reflecting the syncretic spiritual worldview that has always characterised Sri Lankan religious life — where Buddhism, Hinduism, and folk belief interweave in daily practice.

During the Kandyan Kingdom period (roughly 16th to 19th centuries), the devale enjoyed royal patronage and played an important ceremonial role in court life. The famous Esala Perahera — Kandy's great annual procession — historically includes the Natha Devale's own perahera (procession), a testament to the shrine's enduring place at the heart of the city's religious calendar.

Did you know? Natha Devale is considered one of the oldest surviving examples of Kandyan-era religious architecture in Sri Lanka, with stonework dating to the 14th century. The main shrine's construction predates the formal establishment of the Kandyan Kingdom itself.

What to See at Natha Devale

The Main Shrine (Gedige)

The centrepiece of the complex is the gedige — a stone shrine tower built in a style that blends South Indian Dravidian architecture with local Sinhalese craftsmanship. The structure features a distinctive pyramidal roof, intricate stone carvings of floral motifs and guardian figures, and a heavy timber door guarding the inner sanctum. The stonework is weathered to a beautiful silver-grey, giving the shrine an air of ancient gravitas. Inside, the presiding image of Natha Deviyo is adorned with offerings of flowers, incense, and oil lamps during puja times, filling the small chamber with fragrant, flickering light.

The Frontispiece and Moonstone

At the entrance to the main shrine, look down at the intricately carved moonstone — a semi-circular threshold stone depicting concentric bands of symbolic imagery including flames, swans, vines, and elephants. While Natha Devale's moonstone is smaller than the famous examples at Anuradhapura, it is nonetheless a remarkable piece of ancient craftsmanship and one of the finest in the Kandyan region.

The Outer Courtyard and Subsidiary Shrines

The walled compound surrounding the main gedige contains several subsidiary shrines, a bo tree (sacred fig) hung with prayer flags and votive offerings, and a large digge (drummers' hall) used during ceremonial occasions. The courtyard atmosphere is calm and unhurried, with devotees making quiet offerings and monks occasionally passing through. The contrast with the busy crowds at the Temple of the Tooth just metres away is striking and, for many visitors, deeply welcome.

The Devale Bell Tower

A modest but atmospheric bell tower stands within the compound, its bells rung to mark the beginning of puja ceremonies. If your visit coincides with a puja, the sound of bells, drumming, and chanting creates an immersive sensory experience that transports you far from the tourist trail.

Visitor Tip: Arrive at Natha Devale during the early morning puja (around 6:00–7:00 AM) or the evening puja (around 6:00–7:00 PM) for the most atmospheric experience. The smell of incense, the sound of traditional drumming, and the warm glow of oil lamps make these moments genuinely unforgettable.

Views of the Kandy Skyline

Because Natha Devale sits on a slight rise within the sacred precinct, the area around its outer walls offers pleasant views across the rooftops toward Kandy Lake and the surrounding hills. It is a quiet spot to pause, breathe, and appreciate the layered beauty of the city.

Visitor Etiquette

Natha Devale is an active place of worship, not a museum. Visitors are warmly welcomed, but respectful behaviour is essential to preserve the sanctity of the space and show courtesy to worshippers.

  • Remove footwear before entering any shrine building or stepping onto the main platform. Shoe racks or a designated area near the entrance are provided.
  • Dress modestly. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees. Lightweight sarongs or shawls are ideal if you are caught without appropriate clothing.
  • Speak quietly and avoid loud conversations, especially during puja times when devotees are in prayer.
  • Ask before photographing. Photography of the main deity image inside the shrine is generally not permitted. Always check with the attending priest or kapurala (lay officiant) before raising your camera.
  • Do not touch sacred objects, offerings, or carvings unless invited to do so.
  • Walk clockwise around the main shrine, as is customary in Buddhist and Hindu sacred spaces in Sri Lanka.
  • Mobile phones should be silenced. Selfies during active puja ceremonies are considered disrespectful.

Dress Code Warning: Sleeveless tops, shorts, short skirts, and see-through fabrics are not permitted inside Natha Devale or anywhere within the sacred Kandy precinct. Visitors who arrive inappropriately dressed may be refused entry. Carry a lightweight scarf or sarong in your day bag — it takes up almost no space and will save you from missing out on one of Kandy's most remarkable sites.

Opening Hours & Entry Fees

Opening Hours

Natha Devale is generally open to visitors during daylight hours, with puja ceremonies typically held in the early morning and evening. The following times are a general guide and may vary on religious holidays and festival days:

  • Morning opening: Approximately 6:00 AM
  • Evening closing: Approximately 8:00 PM
  • Morning puja: Approximately 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
  • Evening puja: Approximately 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The devale may be temporarily closed to non-worshippers during major ceremonies. During the Esala Perahera festival (July–August), the surrounding area becomes extremely busy, and special arrangements are in place for the devale's own procession.

Entry Fees

Unlike the nearby Temple of the Tooth Relic, which charges a significant entrance fee for foreign visitors, Natha Devale does not charge a standard admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors. However, small donations to the shrine's upkeep are customary and gratefully received. If you wish to make an offering, flowers, incense sticks, and small monetary donations placed in the designated offering boxes are all appropriate.

  • Admission: Free (donations welcome)
  • Estimated donation: LKR 100–500 (approximately USD $0.30–$1.50)
  • Flower offerings from nearby vendors: LKR 50–200 (approximately USD $0.15–$0.60)

What to Bring

  • Lightweight, modest clothing (or a sarong/scarf to cover up)
  • Comfortable slip-on shoes for easy removal
  • Small change in LKR for donations and offerings
  • Sunscreen and a water bottle (for the walk around the precinct)
  • A small camera or smartphone (used respectfully)

How to Get There

Location

Natha Devale is located within the Sacred Precinct of Kandy, immediately adjacent to the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic) on the northern side. The address is effectively the same sacred compound area: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka. If you can find the Temple of the Tooth, you will find Natha Devale — it is within easy walking distance, literally a few dozen metres away.

From Kandy City Centre

  • On foot: The devale is a 5–10 minute walk from Kandy's central market area and the Kandy clock tower. Walk along Sri Dalada Veediya (the main lakeside road) toward the Temple of the Tooth; Natha Devale is clearly visible within the adjacent walled compound.
  • By tuk-tuk: A tuk-tuk from anywhere in central Kandy should cost LKR 150–400 (approximately USD $0.50–$1.20). Simply ask for the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa) and walk the remaining short distance.
  • By bus: Several local buses stop near the Kandy city centre and the temple precinct. Ask for the Dalada Maligawa bus stop.

From Colombo

Kandy is approximately 115 km from Colombo and is well connected by road and rail.

  1. By train: The Colombo–Kandy train (departing Colombo Fort or Maradana stations) is one of Sri Lanka's most scenic rail journeys. Journey time is approximately 2.5–3 hours. From Kandy railway station, the temple precinct is a 15–20 minute walk or a short tuk-tuk ride.
  2. By bus: Intercity express buses run frequently from Colombo's Bastian Mawatha bus terminal. Journey time is approximately 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic.
  3. By private car or taxi: Journey time is approximately 2–3 hours via the Kandy Road (A1) or the Colombo–Kandy Expressway (E01). Private transfers can be arranged through most Colombo hotels.

Parking

Private vehicles can park in designated areas near the Kandy Lake or in the commercial car parks nearby. The sacred precinct itself is pedestrian-only.

Nearby Attractions

Natha Devale's location within Kandy's sacred precinct means that several of Sri Lanka's most important cultural and spiritual sites are within easy walking distance.

  • Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth Relic): Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the relic of the Buddha's tooth. Immediately adjacent to Natha Devale. Note: foreign visitor entry fee applies (approximately USD $10–$15).
  • Vishnu Devale: Another of Kandy's four principal devales, dedicated to the god Vishnu, located a short walk from Natha Devale along the main temple road.
  • Kandy Lake (Kiri Muhuda): The beautiful artificial lake at the heart of the city, constructed by the last Kandyan king Sri Vikrama Rajasinha in 1807. A peaceful circuit walk takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
  • Kandy National Museum: Housed in the former Kandyan royal palace complex, the museum displays royal regalia, traditional crafts, and historical artefacts. Entry fee applies.
  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: One of Asia's finest botanical gardens, located approximately 6 km from the city centre. Allow at least 2–3 hours.
  • Bahiravokanda Vihara (Buddha Statue): A striking 26.8-metre white Buddha statue overlooking the city, reachable by a short uphill walk or tuk-tuk ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Natha Devale open to foreign tourists?

Yes, Natha Devale warmly welcomes visitors of all nationalities and faiths. There is no admission charge for foreign tourists, though respectful behaviour and appropriate dress are required. It is an active place of worship, so visitors should be mindful of devotees during puja times.

What is the best time to visit Natha Devale in Kandy?

The most atmospheric time to visit Natha Devale is during the early morning puja (around 6:00–7:00 AM) or the evening puja (around 6:00–7:00 PM), when incense, oil lamps, and traditional drumming create a memorable spiritual atmosphere. The months of January to April and July to September generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Kandy.

How old is Natha Devale, and why is it historically important?

Natha Devale is believed to date from the late 14th century, making it the oldest surviving religious monument in Kandy. Its importance lies in its rare pre-Kandyan architecture, its association with the Maitreya (future Buddha) tradition, and its central role in Kandy's royal and religious history, including the annual Esala Perahera festival.

What should I wear when visiting Natha Devale?

Visitors must dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and short skirts are not permitted. It is advisable to carry a lightweight sarong or scarf in your bag, which can be quickly wrapped around your shoulders or waist if needed. Shoes must be removed before entering shrine buildings.

How do I get to Natha Devale from the Kandy train station?

From Kandy railway station, Natha Devale is approximately 1.5 km away — a 15–20 minute walk through the town centre, or a 5–10 minute tuk-tuk ride costing around LKR 200–350 (under USD $1). Simply ask your tuk-tuk driver for the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth); Natha Devale is located immediately beside it.