Raja

Domesticated in Kandy

The Temple of the Tooth's own tusker and the most celebrated casket bearer of the Kandy Esala Perahera, which he walked in for about 50 years. Declared a national treasure in 1986, he died in 1988 to a day of national mourning, and his preserved body stands in a museum within the temple grounds.

Born

1913

Approximate

Died

16 July 1988

Age at death

75

Also known as

Maligawa Raja

Birthplace

Jungles of Eravur, Batticaloa

Captured

November 1925, by a team led by Umaru Lebbe Panikkar

First owner

Tikiribanda Mampitiya Disawe of Giragama Walauwa, Kandy, who bought him for Rs. 3,300

Owner

Sri Dalada Maligawa, by deed dated 22 August 1937

Perahera

Kandy Esala Perahera, 1937–1987; casket bearer from 1950

Lineage

Described as belonging to the Chaddhantha kula

Honours

National treasure (20 August 1986); memorial stamp (12 December 1989)

Preserved at

Raja Tusker Museum, Temple of the Tooth, Kandy