KOTTE PEREHERA ADAI........

[Billl Gates]

KOtte Dalada Perehera Adai ... Balanawada?

Sri Dalada Perahera of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
by A. M. Gunawardhana (LL.B)
Asst. Secretary Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya Dayaka Sabhawa​

An event of great cultural and historical significance takes place annually in the hill capital of Sri Lanka in the month of Esala. This is followed by several such events right throughout the country. One such event is the historic Sri Dalada Perahera of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya held in memory of and to pay obeisance and to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic as the kingdom of Kotte was once the abode of the Sacred Tooth Relic.​

The Dalada Perahera has a long history. It dates back to the time it was brought to Sri Lanka during the reign of king Kithsiri Mewan also known as Kirthi Sri Meghawanna (303-331) who was the son of king Mahasen. The Dalada was brought to Sri Lanka concealed in the tresses of princess Hemamala daughter of King Guhaseeva of Kalinga who was accompanied by her husband prince Dantha whose father was the king of Udeni, the prince and his party were disguised as Brahmins and disembarked at the Illangathurai Harbour in the Kottiar pattu of Trincomalee. It was then known as Lanka Patuna and the oldest temple was Samudragiri Viharaya the fate of which is worth examining.​

The king who received the good news overcame with joy received the Sacred Tooth Relic paid homage to it by offering the whole island of Sri Lanka to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha at that moment radiant rays depicting the colours of the Buddhist flag scattered over the area from the relic followed by many wonderful events.​

The Sacred Tooth Relic was taken to the capital Anuradhapura deposited it in a casket made of precious stones and placed it in an elaborately constructed Dalada Maligawa which was close to his own palace for protection. Foreign Theros Fa Hien and Hiu San who bear witness to this has also reported same. The King held a festival to honour the Sacred Tooth Relic and ordered that similar festivals should be held annually. The possession of the Sacred Tooth Relic was transferred from Megagiri to Abhayagiri for obeisance and this could be mentioned as the beginning of the Dalada Perahera.​

These annual festivals were followed by all the Kings and it became part of their duty to do so. The people believed that the person who possessed the Sacred Tooth Relic was the king of the country as such it became a symbol of royalty.​

The Sacred Tooth Relic is intimately woven with the History of Sri Lanka. It is said that when there was a drought during King Upatissa’s reign in 370 A.D. he led a procession with a gold image of Lord Buddha, the bowl relics and the Sacred Tooth Relic and that it brought down rain ending a severe drought. The same event occurred during the rule of the British invaders where the country experienced a severe drought and the reason adduced was failing to hold the annual Perahera as the British rulers ordered our people not to hold the Perahera. After great persuasion permission had been given mockingly on condition that if no rains come further permission will not be granted. However after the Perahera there had been torrential rain, which led to severe floods and after that the Britishers never refused permission to hold the Perahera and the water which poured from the heavens for weeks was known as "Dalada Wathura".​

With the Chola invasion King Mahinda (982-1029) was killed by them and the Bhikkhus removed the Sacred Tooth Relic to Ruhuna Prince Keerthi who overcame the Chola invaders and became king and was known as Maha Vijayabahu (1055-1110) and continued the Sinhalese Dynasty. King Keerthi Sri Nissanka Malla (1187-1198) realized the bondage between the Buddhists and the Sacred Tooth Relic and he constructed a palace at Polonnaruwa out of granite with intricate carvings to place the sacred tooth relic and it is said that the work was completed within a short period of sixty hours.​

When Magha the chola invaded Sri Lanka again the Sacred Tooth Relic was taken to Pusulpitiya, Raja Maha Viharaya at Kotmale for safety. Magha blinded and killed Parakrama Pandu (1212-1215) who was the ruler at that time. Vijayabahu III defeated Magha and reigned from Dambadeniya (1232-1136) and brought the Sacred Relic to Dambadeniya after him his son Parakrama Bahu II (1236-1220) became king. During his reign the Sacred Tooth Relic had performed a miracle as stated in the Maha Wansa.​

"The Sacred Relic Rose to the sky like a ray of the moon from the hand of the king which depicted a lotus exhibited the true image of the Buddha with several rays of resplendent colours emanating from the Buddha image lighting the entire vicinity bringing immense happiness to the king pleasing him and came down from the sky and settled on the hand of the king."​

From Damradeniya the Sacred Tooth Relic was taken to Yapahuwa, from there to Kurunegala, Gampola and then in 1415 it came to Kotte during the reign of king Parakrama Bahu VI (1415- 1472) He ruled the entire land from the Kingdom of Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. His era is known as the ‘Golden Era’ of Literature. Several books of great repute were written during his rule as he encouraged scholars to write such books. Lots of invaluable books of literature such as Lo Vada Sangarawa, Elu Attanagalu Wanshaya, Chula Bodhi Wanshaya, Hansa Sandeshaya, Kokila Sandesaya, Gira Sandesaya, Selalihini Sandesaya, Parevi Sandesaya, Kavya Shekeraya, Guttilaya, Perakumba Siritha, Kuveni Asna, Daham Geta Malaya, Wayanthi Malaya by great scholars such as Weedagama, Maitriya Thero, Thotagamuwa Sri Rahula Thero and Weedagama Thri Sinhala Kavithilleke.​

Kotte Perahera was started in 1415 by Perakumba VI under the Auspices of Weedagama Thero with the participation of about 500 caparisoned elephants and had paraded on a road which was 30ft. in width and 8ft. in height constructed on the rampart. The reign of Kotte which began on 1372 with the reign of Buvenekabahu V (1372-1408) ended in the year 1597 during the reign of Don Juan Dharmapala (1550-1597) who was a puppet king under the Portuguese.​

The abandoned Kingdom was swallowed by thick jungle and later rediscovered in 1813 by Ven. Pilane Buddha Rakkitha Nayake Thero who discovered the ruins of the present Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya. From this day the temple Rose from its ashes like a phoenix. The temple is presently the Head quarters of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha where the annual ordination of Bhikkhus take place in the famous Poya Ge.​

The Perahera was started in 1901 by Ven. Embulgama Wimalatissa, Thero. Today it is the leading cultural pageant of historical significance in the low country. The necessary support to make the perahera a success is shouldered by the residents of Kotte, Mirihana, Pagoda and Beddegana. Well wishers throughout the country help in many ways to complete the Perahera successfully.​

The Perahera begins with the chanting of Seth Pirith and then the ‘kap planting’ ceremony is held at an auspicious time. This is a vow made to the gods promising to hold a kumbal perahera, Three Mal peraheras, pavada perahera, weedi perahera, randoli perahera, maha perahera and diya keppema perahera.​

The final perahera to be held on Saturday is the gem in the crown of the entire pageant where several caparisoned elephants participate. The entire surroundings reverberate to the sounds of low country upcountry, Sabaragarnuwa drums and also the rhythmic beat of Kavadi drums which adds an electrifying atmosphere to the neighbourhood. The tinkling of bells jingling anklets, twinkling lights enhance the beat of drums. Dancers of all hues from upcountry, low country and Sabaragarnuwa adds colour and rhythm to the entire perahera.​

The Diya Kepeema is performed at Etul Kotte on the waters of Diyawanna Oya and all rituals related to the Perahera is performed by the Chief Kapu Mahattaya A. D. Chandrasena J.P. and his followers. Thereafter the kap plant is sent floating down the river.​

After the ceremony the residents of Etulkotte under the guidance of the chief priest of Perakumba pirivena named after the legendary King Perakumba VI and the members of the Dayaka Sabha give a ‘Deva Dana’ to those who call over at the temple including those who participated in the Perahera and convey merits ‘to gods.​

After the ‘Deva Dana’, the Perahera returns to the Raja Maha Viharaya Bo Maluwa bringing the water obtained from Diyawanna Oya, after the water-cutting ceremony. ​

From the Bo Maluwa the casket containing the relics is carried in procession by the Secretary and Asst. Secretary of the Dayaka Sabha and is placed in the Maligawa. The Sacred ornaments brought in the Perahera follow the casket is placed in the respective Devalayas after the performance of rituals.​

Finally the ‘Gara Yak Shantiya’ is performed to drive away all evil and to bless the Nayaka Thero, resident Theros, all members of the Dayaka Sabha, all those who participated in the perahera and the residents of Kotte, Pagoda Mirihana and Beddagana. All ceremonies are conducted under the guidance of Ven. Aluthnuwara Anuruddha Thero, the chief incumbent. He is given all the assistance by the resident monks led by Ven. Pandit Pitigala Jinasiri Thero.​

 

[randula01]

balanna yanna ona wessa naethnam

 

[Billl Gates]

Sri Lanka is full of nice cultural events since the early days. Perehera (processions) is such a thing which held in various parts of the country while Kandy Perehara being the most famous processions from my home town way up in the hill capitol.

Even though our people boast much about these cultural things none is really geared to preserve the traditional values much. Being commercialised most of these events now lack the former glory and the talents as I’ve seen them during my childhood days. Anyway it is still interesting.

Now it is the Kotte Perehera season (The area where I hang around mostly). I was not keen on standing up hours and watch this by the sides of the jam packed road though I had no choice since my gang deosn’t leave me alone. So last night we watched it. Surprisingly it was nice because of the place we’ve got with less crowd making it memorable event to watch. So I wished I would have shown it to my friend Ruani too who hasn’t seen this type of things. Any other times I remember we just unable to watch it peacefully with the too much crowd hovering around and watching girls go pass by was the only interesting part.

Final two days anyway it is nearly impossible to watch cos all roads get packed up with by standing people. You only see the backs and do the head count then. I don’t wanna do that.
This time no hussle at all. I wished I had brought my camera with me than the phone’s lousy one. It captures nothing in detail. Still enjoy the Perehera men doing their dance.

 

[Billl Gates]

Odyssey of the 'Tooth Relic of the Buddha'​

The 'Danta Dhatu' (Tooth Relic of the Buddha) is one of the most revered objects of worship by Buddhists throughout the world. It now lies in the sanctum sanctorum of the Dalada Maligawa in Kandy enshrined in an embellished reliquary. The relic was brought to the island by chance during the 9th regnal year of king Keerthi Sri Meghavarna (371 AD), and ever since it was protected by kings and laymen who paid homage to it with unbound munifience. It also became the palladium of regal authority and no king could rule the country without possessing it. Hence it was a treasure owned by the kings on whose preservation the safety of the kingdom and the country depended.
An Arhant named Khema carried away this Relic form the funeral pyre of the Buddha in 543 BC, and handed it over to king Brahmadatta, who made his benefactions to it with faith and devotion. It came to pass that he was attacked by the powerful king Pandu, but he being averse to warfare, sued for peace and in the meantime, he gave the Relic to Cittayana who was the commander of king Pandu's army to be kept safely. On seeing the miracles performed by the sacred Tooth, the king became a convert to Buddhism. When king Pandu's city of Pataliputra (modern Patna) was attacked by king Khiradhara, he sent his viceroy Guhasiva back to Kalinga (modern Orissa) with the Relic, where it was kept in the custody of prince Danta, to whom the king had given his daughter Hemamala in marriage. Soon the king became engaged in war and he asked his daughter and prince Danta, to carry the Relic to Sri Lanka, in the event of his being defeated in battle. Having defeated, the Tooth Relic was secretly conveyed to Sri Lanka by prince Danta and princess Hemamala in whose custody it was.
After an adventurous journey, they reached Anuradhapura, and handed it over to king Sri Meghavarna, who placed the Relic in the hands of the bhikkus of Abhayagiri vihara. (The hair ornament in which princess Hemamala brought the Relic to the island was exhibited during the Esala festival in August 1949).
During the reign of Upatissa (426-468 AD), the Relic was taken in procession from the Abhayagiri vihara to the Mahavihara with great pomp and ceremony. In AD 460,there was a severe drought, and the king fearing a famine, led a procession during the Esala fullmoon night, through the streets of the city carrying the Relic. In sequence, the drought ended followed by a heavy downpour inundating the lowland country.
King Dhatusena (516-526 AD) offered a golden casket for the Relic. When the Pandyans from South India overran the country, during the reign of Sena I (826-846 AD), the Relic was removed to a safe place,and in 1017 when the Cholians invaded the country, bhikkus fled to the South carrying the Relic with them. Prince Kitti defeated the Cholians and ascended the throne in the name of Vijayabahu I (1058-1114).
When Kalinga Magha (1213-1234), came into power at Polonnaruwa, the Sinhalese were driven South and bhikku Vacissara had the Relic hidden at Pusulpitiya in the temple called Dathakaranaramaya,which is said to stand to this day. When Vijayabahu III (1220-1224) established his kingdom at Dambadeniya, he brought the Relic from Pusulpitiya to the capital but fearing a further invasion by the Cholians he had it removed to Beligala for safety. When king Bhuvanekhabahu I (1283-1286) ascended the throne at Yapahuwa, Pandyan king Kulasekera's General Aryacakravarti invaded the island and carried away the Relic to South India, where it remained in that country, until it was brought back to the island by king Parakramabahu II (1266- 1293) by peaceful negotiations. His successor, king Bhuvanekhabahu III (1293-1302), took the Relic to Kurunegala and had it secured in a threestoreyed edifice.
Next we find reference to the Tooth Relic when Kotte became the capital under king Prakramabahu IV (1410-1436) who made offerings to the Relic. The erudite poet,Ven. Sri Rahula thera in his 'Sandes kavyas' (epic messages) Paravi and Selalihini mentions the presence of the Relic at Kotte. The Hansasandesaya and Gira-sandesaya also have reference to it, which were written during the Kotte period. On Nov. 15 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lnaka, and the king of Kotte at the time was Vira Parakramabahu VIII (1484-1509) who was in the sunset of his life.
The Portuguese who remained and ruled the maritime settlements of the island, took a step forward and gradually introduced their religion (Roman Catholicism) into the country by proselytising the Buddhists by reward or by sword. Prince Dharmapala, who became the king of Kotte, proved himself an utterly useless rules. In 1557, he embraced Catholicism and was baptised in the name of Don Juan Dharmapala,and it led to loss of loyalty of his supporters, because they feared that he might do harm to the Relic as the Portuguese were averse to venerating relics. One night, the Diyawadana Nilame, Hiripitiye Divana Rala, had a dream. He was told "Kotte kalale data meda ganna rale", which was interpreted to mean "Leave the mat and pillow and take the Tooth to the mid country". Fearing danger to the Relic, he at once took it to king Mayadunne of Sitawaka (now Avissawella) for safe keeping. The king fearing a Portuguese invasion at any moment, had it hidden at the Delgamuwa vihara. The incumbent of the vihara, sensing danger, caused to artificial replicas to be made in ivory. Keeping one of them in the place where the original was,gave the other to Vidiya Bandara, and the thera, concealing the genuine one in his waist went to Palabaddala and had it secured inside a grinding stone.
By this time the Portuguese invaded Sitawaka and carried away the artificial relic, thinking it to be the original, and sent it to Goa to be destroyed. However, the Portuguese got the news that what they had got was a duplicate of the Relic and the original was in the hands of Vidiya Bandara, the son-in-law of king Mayadunne. When Dharmapala became king of Kotte,Vidiya Bandara fled to Jaffna but he was captured on the orders of the Archbishop of Goa in 1561. The Archbishop, having secured the artificial relic from Vidiya Bandara place it in a mortar pulverised it, burnt the powder in a brazier and threw the ashes into a river. When Konappu Bandara ascended the throne of Kandy in 1592, in the name of Wimaladharmasuriya I, the incumbent of the Delgamuwa vihara, handed over the real Relic to the king,who enshrined it inside a case cut out of a ruby founded embedded in the banks of a river in Kuruviti Korale, and placed it in an edifice specially erected for it, having brought the Relic to Kandy. In 1611 a bhikku ran away with the Relic when the Portuguese invaded Kandy.
King Senarath (1605-1635), brought it back to Kandy, after driving away the Portuguese army, and replaced it in the edifice built by king Wimaladharmasuriya I. Fearing that the Relic would be stolen because of this gem covering, king Kirti Sri Rajasinha, who ascended the throne of Kandy in 1747, enclosed it with an ivory case. What we see today is the ivory covered Relic and the genuine one is embedded therein. Hence it looks disproportionate in size of a human tooth.
The 'Vedasitina maluwa' (inner temple), which we see today,was the work of king Narendrasinha (1707-1739), the last Sinhala king of Kandy. He was succeeded by his brother-in-law Sri Vijaya Rajasinha, a Malabari prince which opened the gates for Dravidian kings to rule the Kandyan kingdom up to 1815.
The octagon ('Pattirippuwa') which we see today was the work of Sri Wickrema Rajasinha the last king of Kandy, who was taken captive by the British forces on February 18, 1815, and deported to Vellore in South India, where he died in 1832. The architect of the octagon was Devendra Mulachari, reputed for his expertise in architectural design. When the British forces invaded Kandy for territorial aggrandizement, the king carried away the Relic for safety. It was brought back to Kandy, with the approval of the British, and replaced it in the Dalada Maligawa, on April 24, 1815.
John D'Oyly,the British Resident in Kandy,by being present at the occasion, won the goodwill of the bhikkus, the chiefs and the people. In 1818, a rebellion broke out in the Kandyan provinces against the British administrators, and a bhikku secretly removed the Relic to Elahera in Matale for safety. The British,however, were able to bring it back to Kandy and placed it in the sanctum sanctorum of the Dalada Maligawa. It was only after 10 years that the Tooth Relic was exhibited in Kandy and the perahera conducted as usual, in the presence of governor Edward Barnes. In 1853, by statutory provisions, the custody of the Relic was passed on to the bhikkus of Malwatte and Asgiriya temples, with the Diyawadana Nilame as its lay custodian. During the Esala perahera in Kandy, the casket containing the Relic is taken in procession on the back of the caparisoned Maligawa elephant, which is a tusker. Such was the magical aura of the Tooth Relic that the Buddhists of the country have been given the opportunity to render it their homage with faith and devotion.

 

[sherlock]

wessoth perahera wedak ne

 

[Billl Gates]

Perehara Hondata giyaa wesse nehe api baluwa hondai

 

[sirajstc]

mmm

 

[paba123]

wawwww

 

[eklover]

ada kiyanne kawadada

 

[tharuksha123]

niyamaai!!!

 

[tharinda07]

thnks

 

[Pentagram]

tnx.......gates!

 

[Billl Gates]

wawwww

welcome