THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE KANDY NATHA DEVALAYA IN SRI LANKAN HISTORY

Abstract

The Kandyan Kingdom, the last kingdom of the Sinhalese kings, was located in the hill country approximately 490 metres above sea level, surrounded by the Mahaweli River on the West and South. As a notable archaeological site within the Kandyan Kingdom, the Natha Devalaya remains as a massive stone construction safely and magnificently erected to the West of the Temple of the Tooth Relic complex. The Palace, the Vishnu Devalaya, and the Paththini Devalaya are located to the Northeast, North and West of the Natha Devalaya respectively. As evident by historical records, the Natha Devalaya was built by Wickramabahu the Third (1357-1374 A.D.), who was a ruler of the Gampola Kingdom. The structural design of the Natha Devalaya displays the influence of Gedige tradition and the stylistic impressions of South Indian architectural practices through Mandapas, Antharalayas, and the Garbhagrihas. Moreover, a stone inscription and the remains of a coronation pavilion can be seen in the Natha Devalaya. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the origin of the Kandyan Natha Devalaya, its architectural elements, and the archaeological remains on the construction of Sri Lankan history. To achieve the aforementioned objective, historical methods are expected to be applied by studying primary and secondary sources. The preliminary study is followed by a study conducted on the site of the Natha Devalaya. This research study identifies that the origin of the Kandyan Natha Devalaya dates back to the Gampola Kingdom, which preceded the Kandyan Kingdom. Therefore, the present study elucidates the significance of the Natha Devalaya as a site of cultural, political and religious relevance that fostered intercultural relationships.