Question 1

What deity is worshipped at Natha Devale in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

Natha Devale is dedicated to Natha, a deity identified in Mahayana Buddhism with the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and in later Theravada tradition with the future Buddha Maitreya. This dual identification gives the shrine significance across different strands of Sri Lankan Buddhist and Hindu-Buddhist devotion.

Question 2

Is Natha Devale open to tourists?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the compound is generally open to visitors throughout the day. As an active place of worship, respectful conduct is expected: remove footwear, cover shoulders and knees, and refrain from flash photography inside the inner sanctum. There is no formal entry fee for the devale itself.

Question 3

How old is Natha Devale?

Accepted Answer

The shrine is believed to date from the Gampola period, which places its origins in the 14th century. It is considered one of the oldest surviving stone religious structures in Kandy and was further developed during the subsequent Kandyan kingdom era.

Question 4

What is the difference between a devale and a viharaya in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

A viharaya is a Buddhist temple centred on a relic or image of the Buddha and overseen by monks. A devale is a shrine dedicated to a deity from the broader Sinhalese pantheon, administered by a lay officiant called a kapurala. In practice, both types of sacred site coexist closely in Sri Lankan religious life, and many Buddhists visit both.

Question 5

Can I visit Natha Devale during the Esala Perahera?

Accepted Answer

Natha Devale is one of four devales that participate in Kandy's Esala Perahera festival, contributing its own procession to the larger parade. Visiting the shrine during the festival season provides meaningful context for the ceremonies you will see in the street processions, though accommodation and transport in Kandy should be booked well in advance for this period.

Question 6

How far is Natha Devale from the Temple of the Tooth?

Accepted Answer

Natha Devale is immediately adjacent to the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) within the same sacred precinct. From the main entrance of the Tooth Temple, the devale is only a short walk of a few minutes. Most visitors combine both sites in a single morning or afternoon.

Question 7

Is there parking near Natha Devale in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

Parking in central Kandy near the sacred precinct is limited and can become congested, especially on weekends and poya days. Many visitors arrive by tuk-tuk or on foot from accommodation within the town. If driving, the parking areas near Kandy Lake are the most convenient option, from which the devale is a short walk.