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| Okanda Devalaya |
We had to pass the 'Shasthrawela' and 'Ragamwela' the villages which got wet from the fresh tears,sweat and blood of the people during the Rajapaksha's regime, we walked on the famous 'Arugam Bay" with the expectation to reach 'Paanama' the village of unity or coexistence. In the past this area was introduced as "Paanam Paththuwa" (Region of Paanama). In the historical stories and literature reflects enough information about the history of Paanama. As we know Paanama village had been shaped with the prosperity and inherited attraction of "Digaamadulla Area". There is a uncommon story behind the origin of Paanama.
The People who have escaped during the cruelty of British troops after the 1818 Uva Wellassa Revolution started their lives in the particular area. However it was a significant incident since established a Sinhalese Village at the remote corner of Eastern Coastal zone. Most of the Sinhala-Tamil mixed villagers of Paanama can be identified as the Buddhists as well as god believers, they are Genuine villagers, they may welcome you with friendly arms and hospitality. Specially they are mutually bound each other as real villagers.
"We are Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils also were here. Some of young fellows got married tamils and muslims with their own consent or with the blesses of parents. now all the the races mixed up. although we are buddhists, we are much close to God..."
In one side Buddhist temple is situated, near that Paththini Temple and God Katharagama Temple are located. Villagers had renamed God Katharagama as "New God". There are two tamarind trees in the foreground of the temple, according to the beliefs both trees are more than hundred years aged. People believe that there are sacred gods in those trees and during the visit of God Iskandha Kumara (From India) was relaxing here. For worshiping the God Iskandha Kumara villagers play "An Keliya" at the end of Annual 'Perahera' (Pageant), one team plays on behalf of God Iskandha Kumara and the other one plays for Paththini Deviya. They expect prosperity of the village due to this cultural event. Paanama Villagers are really believing in God throughout the history as well as present.
Sand Hills which situated between the Paanama Bay and Sea can be seen as the main natural protector of village. Because it hinders to the flowing sea wind into the viallage and inhabitants think it was a gift from the god. We left the Paanama and entered to the 'Okanda Temple' the place God Iskandhakumara and Walli on the very first time. We had to walk along 17km to reach there. Okanda has very interesting and logical history and it may be wroth enough to anyone those who exploring the truth of Sri Lankan history.
Okanda Devalaya is maintained by a family(Pedigree) who escaped from Up-country after 1818 Revolution. Recently Disanayaka Mudiyanselage Muthubanda Sedaraj Disanayaka was the Kapuwa (Priest) of this temple, but unfortunately he was passed away suddenly. After that the Basnayaka Nilame position was handed over to his elder son Ladan Sedaraj Disanayaka as the tradition. I do know what was the reason behind it he could not pass more than three months, he was passed away within his young age. Still the people of this area very emotion on that incident.
According to the ideology of followers the Basement of Okanda Devalaya has been re-constructed recently, therefore as the ancient tradition the pedigree of holding Basnayaka Nilame position should be changed afterwards. But it was not changed and the second son of Muthubanda became the Basnayaka Nilame after the demise of Ladan, He was our good friend but he also was able to carry the symbol of Okanda no more than three months. He also suddenly died due to a sudden illness, reason behind his death was natural but the people who dedicated their lives on behalf of god and loosing their lives since the bleach of the tradition can be accepted? I do not think so. That is the time that we feel some bad terms with the god too.
"Devotees are not entering to Devalaya after having meats or with Funerals, Menstrual 'kili'.It was promised about good faith from God Katharagama to any devotee who comes to the devalaya without having meats,alcohol" It is the common belief.
Our Friend Nalin argued against that, he asked when a person was born by a mother, each and everyone has same manner. So how can be 'Kili"(Rot) the Biological process of a woman that helps to create a human being? He always encouraged women to enter and worshiping the god who were unwilling to participate for the worships during their menstruation periods.
How every people believe the God who called Murugan, Welan, Kandaswaami, Iskandha Kumara or Katharagama is the 'Lord of Ruhuna (Southern)' has the mighty power and protecting the area of Paanama,Okanda,Katharagama. God Iskandha Kumara was known as the Protector in India according to "Wedha" ancient scripts. Worshiping the God Iskandha Kumara was originated in Sri Lanka just after 'Aaryans" arrived and settled down in South-East part of Sri Lanka. Now God Katharagama has become the protector in Sri Lanka too.
"God Katharagama was arrived to Okanda, in there he had met Walli Amma" The Story was told by a villager accordance with his belief.
Meanwhile there is similar view as God Katharagama had met Walli Amma in the 'Sella Katharagama'. Today most of devotees visited Sella Katharagama devalaya and worship them. We do not want to inspect the truth behind these stories, but we can assume there were real character in the history with Names of Katharagama and Walli.
There is a special building constructed near the beach, in front of Okanda Devalaya. It can Be recognized as 'Ranorugala' (Golden Boat Stone). People say it is the place that God Iskandha Kumara arrived to Sri Lanka. In here he met indigenous girl named "Walli" and both of them walked to Sella Katharagama through Kumana and Yaala forest. At the Sella Katharagama they got married, History and legends uttering the story.
Even in Present thousands of Tamil devotees gathering to Katharagama Devalaya (Okanda Devalaya) by remembering and worshiping God Iskandha Kumara for fulfilling their traditions annually. After that they start their long Religious Journey called "Paada Yaathraawa" (March) towards katharagama through the forest. They are following the historical foot path of God Katharargama and Walli Amma during this Walking, that is the most awesome feature of this tradition.
Fulfilling their tradition with their beliefs people expected the prosperity of their lives. They had to walk through much bitter but encouraged journey for well being of them. Even today hundred thousands of devotees participate for this legendary walk and declaring their good faith on God Katharagama.
"We are Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils also were here. Some of young fellows got married tamils and muslims with their own consent or with the blesses of parents. now all the the races mixed up. although we are buddhists, we are much close to God..."
In one side Buddhist temple is situated, near that Paththini Temple and God Katharagama Temple are located. Villagers had renamed God Katharagama as "New God". There are two tamarind trees in the foreground of the temple, according to the beliefs both trees are more than hundred years aged. People believe that there are sacred gods in those trees and during the visit of God Iskandha Kumara (From India) was relaxing here. For worshiping the God Iskandha Kumara villagers play "An Keliya" at the end of Annual 'Perahera' (Pageant), one team plays on behalf of God Iskandha Kumara and the other one plays for Paththini Deviya. They expect prosperity of the village due to this cultural event. Paanama Villagers are really believing in God throughout the history as well as present.
Sand Hills which situated between the Paanama Bay and Sea can be seen as the main natural protector of village. Because it hinders to the flowing sea wind into the viallage and inhabitants think it was a gift from the god. We left the Paanama and entered to the 'Okanda Temple' the place God Iskandhakumara and Walli on the very first time. We had to walk along 17km to reach there. Okanda has very interesting and logical history and it may be wroth enough to anyone those who exploring the truth of Sri Lankan history.
Okanda Devalaya is maintained by a family(Pedigree) who escaped from Up-country after 1818 Revolution. Recently Disanayaka Mudiyanselage Muthubanda Sedaraj Disanayaka was the Kapuwa (Priest) of this temple, but unfortunately he was passed away suddenly. After that the Basnayaka Nilame position was handed over to his elder son Ladan Sedaraj Disanayaka as the tradition. I do know what was the reason behind it he could not pass more than three months, he was passed away within his young age. Still the people of this area very emotion on that incident.
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| People Worship Inside the Devalaya |
According to the ideology of followers the Basement of Okanda Devalaya has been re-constructed recently, therefore as the ancient tradition the pedigree of holding Basnayaka Nilame position should be changed afterwards. But it was not changed and the second son of Muthubanda became the Basnayaka Nilame after the demise of Ladan, He was our good friend but he also was able to carry the symbol of Okanda no more than three months. He also suddenly died due to a sudden illness, reason behind his death was natural but the people who dedicated their lives on behalf of god and loosing their lives since the bleach of the tradition can be accepted? I do not think so. That is the time that we feel some bad terms with the god too.
"Devotees are not entering to Devalaya after having meats or with Funerals, Menstrual 'kili'.It was promised about good faith from God Katharagama to any devotee who comes to the devalaya without having meats,alcohol" It is the common belief.
Our Friend Nalin argued against that, he asked when a person was born by a mother, each and everyone has same manner. So how can be 'Kili"(Rot) the Biological process of a woman that helps to create a human being? He always encouraged women to enter and worshiping the god who were unwilling to participate for the worships during their menstruation periods.
How every people believe the God who called Murugan, Welan, Kandaswaami, Iskandha Kumara or Katharagama is the 'Lord of Ruhuna (Southern)' has the mighty power and protecting the area of Paanama,Okanda,Katharagama. God Iskandha Kumara was known as the Protector in India according to "Wedha" ancient scripts. Worshiping the God Iskandha Kumara was originated in Sri Lanka just after 'Aaryans" arrived and settled down in South-East part of Sri Lanka. Now God Katharagama has become the protector in Sri Lanka too.
"God Katharagama was arrived to Okanda, in there he had met Walli Amma" The Story was told by a villager accordance with his belief.
Meanwhile there is similar view as God Katharagama had met Walli Amma in the 'Sella Katharagama'. Today most of devotees visited Sella Katharagama devalaya and worship them. We do not want to inspect the truth behind these stories, but we can assume there were real character in the history with Names of Katharagama and Walli.
There is a special building constructed near the beach, in front of Okanda Devalaya. It can Be recognized as 'Ranorugala' (Golden Boat Stone). People say it is the place that God Iskandha Kumara arrived to Sri Lanka. In here he met indigenous girl named "Walli" and both of them walked to Sella Katharagama through Kumana and Yaala forest. At the Sella Katharagama they got married, History and legends uttering the story.
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| Ranorugala |
Even in Present thousands of Tamil devotees gathering to Katharagama Devalaya (Okanda Devalaya) by remembering and worshiping God Iskandha Kumara for fulfilling their traditions annually. After that they start their long Religious Journey called "Paada Yaathraawa" (March) towards katharagama through the forest. They are following the historical foot path of God Katharargama and Walli Amma during this Walking, that is the most awesome feature of this tradition.
Fulfilling their tradition with their beliefs people expected the prosperity of their lives. They had to walk through much bitter but encouraged journey for well being of them. Even today hundred thousands of devotees participate for this legendary walk and declaring their good faith on God Katharagama.
(A Translation of the Article "Premaye Devlola Okandata Yamu" written by Himashi Karunarathna)
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