A Study on the cult of Goddess Pattini: with special reference to the left bank of Kelani River

Abstract

The cult of goddess Pattini is famous in Sri Lanka and highly connected with Sri Lankan culture in many aspects. The main objective of this research is to explicate the cult of goddess Pattini with special reference to environs of the left bank of Kelani River. Therefore, this research was mainly conducted based on the areas of Kaduwela, Nawagamuwa, Hanwella, and Avissavella which are located at the left bank of Kelani River. The community lives at environs of the left bank of Kelani River are highly engaged with various cults, rituals and believes. Among those the cult of goddess Pattini could be considered as the most famous cult throughout the left bank of Kelani River. Especially, this cult has ranged historical background. Further, cult of goddess Pattini at the left bank of Kelani River has significance from archaeological and anthropological aspects. Nawagamuwa Pattini devalaya and Kaduwela Purana Ran Kadu Pattini devalaya are the main and distinguished Pattini devala located at the study area which receives the blessing of goddess Pattini. Furthermore, legendary aspect on the cult of goddess Pattini is related with the Korathota Rajamaha Viharaya and Abulgama Rajamaha Viharaya along with the main Pattini devala, and there could be found several Pattini devala at this study area. Medagoda Pattini devalaya and Kabulumulla Pattini devalaya are located at the right bank of Kelani River, and that emphasized Kelani River has strong relationship with the cult of goddess Pattini. Moreover, there could be identified unique rituals and believes connected with the cult of goddess Pattini at the left bank of Kelani River, and the significance of cult of goddess Pattini as a part of Sri Lankan culture and heritage. Therefore, this research will be described the cult of goddess Pattini at the left bank of Kelani River with special attention on historical background and legendary aspect, rituals and believes, archaeological evidences of Pattini devala, and the importance of safeguarding intangible and tangible heritage through the collected data from library survey method and field research method.