Pattini Devale at Maduwa
The Pattini cult, it is said, had its origins in either the Chola or Pandya
kingdoms, but it is strongly associated with
Madu Ganga
and its environs,
as our travels revealed.
Most of us are aware of legend of King Gajabahu I (2nd century A.D.) journeying
to Chola country with his warrior Neela Maha Yodaya to bring back 12,000
Sinhalese prisoners.
He is also said to have brought back the sacred ornaments of the Goddess
Pattini, namely the ran salamba (golden anklets) and the Buddha's begging
bowl together with the insignia of the gods.
King Gajabahu and his retinue, the story goes, set sail for Lanka, determined
to build a Pattini Devale at
Anuradhapura
. But their ship encountered stormy
weather and had to change course landing on the west coast. They sailed down
the Kelani Ganga and the king came ashore and kept his precious cargo in
a grove of Na trees.
The following day to his astonishment, he found that the spot where he
had placed Pattini's salamba - was surrounded by huge cobras. Hissing at
him they would not allow him near. Thwarted in his efforts to take the anklets
to Anuradhapura, the king had to leave them in the grove of Na trees where
he is said to have built a devale dedicated to Pattini.
The main Pattini
Devale is located at Navagamuwa (close to Kaduwela along the low-level
road off Colombo)
.
A Similar Pattini story is associated with Maduwa. During the reign of
King Parakrama Bahu II his warrior Prime Minister Devapathiraja and his strong
army were in charge of the maritime southern province (from Kalutara to Bentota
and Balapitiya) to prevent any foreign forces from entering the coastal area.
In this period the southern coastal belt was invaded not only by forces
from the Pandyan kingdown but also by troops from Malaya. Minister Devapathiraja
thanks to his army garrison at Velitota was able to repel such invasions.
In fulfilment of a vow, after victory over his foes, Deva pathiraja built
two Pattini Devales at Velitota /Weliwatta and Maduwa
The Maduwa Pattini Devale was built in an ancient spot called Kalinga Uyana
. This shrine was later rebuilt by late Simon de Silva, an exponent
on this Pattini cult, who narrated many miracles that happened during
his lifetime and that of his ancestors at these sacred sites.
The festival of the Pattini Devale at Maduwa is held annually on a grand
scale during the Esala season (July-August). As the golden salamba (anklets)
are the sacred ornaments of Pattini, Kapuralas still wear such anklets whilst
making incantations to the goddess invoking her blessings and performing
the traditional Pattini rituals and dances. In time of illness and distress,
supplications are made to the Goddess at these devales.
Spread over the Velitota basin are a multitude of devales and kovils dedicated
to Goddess Pattini, and other guardian deities. Among them are the Godagedera
Devale, Maduwe Devale, Nurugala Kovila, Galmaduwa Kovila, Galmangoda Kovila,
Gotakapola Kovila, Waturugama Devalaya, Doka Welikanda Palliya. Usweli Kanda
Devale, Kosgoda Devale, Duwe Modera Kovila, Devage Kovila and Gappumulla
Aliya Kovila. On Poson Poya in June, kiribath (milk rice) is served at all
these devales.
The other well-known Pattini Devales are at Wilbawa (Kurunegala), Dedigama,
Medagoda (Sitawake),
Seenigama (Hikkaduwa)
Saman Devale (Ratnapura )
and
the Purana Ranakadu Pattini Maha Devale (Kaduwela).
By Gamini G. Punchihewa
Sunday Times, 21st May 2000
Created : March 15, 2009
Updated :
March 15, 2009
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