The greatly revered Temple of the Tooth is regarded as being one of Sri Lanka's most venerated religious sites as well as a significant cultural attraction. This temple houses the priceless tooth relic of Gautama Buddha and accordingly is visited by Buddhist devotees from all over the island as well as other parts of Asia. Many sightseers also visit this temple which contains many features of interest. The Temple of the Tooth is considered to be a vital part of the heritage of the Sinhala people of Sri Lanka, and is regarded as being a national treasure. In fact, according to tradition, the possessor of the relic is believed to have the right to rule this nation.