Hinduism In Sri Lanka

Hinduism was brought to Sri Lanka a by successive Tamil kings and their followers during the later part of Anuradhapura period and early part of Polonnaruwa period. Also Sinhala kings like Vijayabahu the 1st and Parakramabahu the 1st too have brought Indian soldiers for wars and provided facilities for them to continue their faith in religion and built even Shiva Devalas (Shrines) for them. Shiva devala 1 & 2 of Polonnaruwa built in 11th Century AD are some of the examples can be seen in ruin today.

Today three Gods are widely seen as all powerful: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Brahma is regarded as the ultimate source of creation; Shiva also has a creative role alongside his function as destroyer. Vishnu is seen as the preserver or protector of the universe. Out of these three deities Vishnu and Shiva are far more widely represented and have come to be seen as the most powerful and important in the belief of Sri Lankan followers.

Few Gods and Goddess worshiped by Hindus in Sri Lanka

1) Vishnu

Vishnu is seen as the God with the human face and worshiped by majority of Hindus and Buddhist as well. Vishnu appears in Buddhist temples too since he is considered to be one of the four “Guardian deities”, believed to be a future Buddha. He is also known as the protector of Buddhism on the island.

2) Laksmi
Commonly represent as Vishnu’s wife and worshiped as the goddess of wealth.

3) Sarasvathi

Sarasvathi seen as white coloured and riding on a swan, she usually carries a book, and is often shown playing a Veena.She represents as the Goddess of Education and Learning and is worshiped in schools and colleges with gift of fruit, flowers and incense.

4) Shiva

Shiva is interpreted as the both creator and destroyer. He lives on a mount Kailasa with his wife parwathi and two sons; The elephant headed Ganesh and the 6- headed Karttikeya known in Sri Lanka, as the Kataragama or Skanda.Shiva is accompanied bull as his vehicle.

Shiva is also representing in some temples by the Linga, literally meaning ‘Sign’ or ‘mark’, but refereeing in this context to the sign of the gender or phallus and yoni. On the one hand a symbol of energy, pertility and potency. It also represents the yogic power of sexual abstinence and penance. Therefor the Linga has become the most important symbol of the cult of Shiva.

5) Ganesh

One of the most popular Gods of Hinduism and seen with his elephant head and pot belly. He is known as the great clearer of the obstacles and found on gateways and on door lintels. Meetings, functions and familly Gatherings are often started with prayers to Ganesh.

6) Skanda (Kataragama)

He is known as the God of war and one of the sons of Shiva and Parvathi.Peacock is seen as his vehicle and carries the weapon call “trident” or “ vel”. God kataragama is known as one of the four guardian deities of Buddhism and hence venerated by Buddhist.