Devol (deity) on:
[Wikipedia]
[Google]
[Amazon]
Devol (also spelled as Dewol) is a deity subjected to worship and belief in
''Seenigama Devalaya'', situated in Seenigama, Seenigama Devalaya
Amazing Lanka Seenigama Devalaya consists of two shrines, a shrine located in the mainland at the entrance and an ancient shrine which located in a small island that is separated from main land by the coastal waters. Another major shrine dedicated to the deity, known as ''Welle devalaya'' (Shrine of the beach) is situated in
Devol Maduwa or Devol Madu is a traditional low country Sinhalese dance that is practiced to propitiate Devol deity. This ritual is performed by the villagers to re-enact the arrival of Devol deity to Sri Lanka. By performing this ritual villagers expect good luck, expelling evil spirits and protection from epidemics.
Seenigama Temple
Sinhalese Buddhist deities
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, also known historically as Ceylon, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian subcontinent, ...
. He is one of the twelve deities worshiped in Sri Lanka as "Dolos Deviyo" (twelve gods), who are believed to be intervening in the affairs of the worldlings.
The practice of the worship of Devol deviyo or the cult of Devol is widespread among the Sinhalese, specially in the Southwestern lowlands and coastal areas of the country.
Devotees who make offerings at the shrines and perform rituals usually seek vengeance, benevolence and prosperity from the deity to solve their day to day problems. The Seenigama shrine consecrated to God Devol, on the Galle - Colombo main road located in close proximity to the Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, in south-west of Sri Lanka, is a large costal tourist area, covering 11 different villages over 6 km (3.7 mi) on the ocean, and 3 km (1.9 mi) inland. It is run by the Hikkaduwa Urban Council.
Located in the Galle District, Hikkaduw ...
town has become a popular destination of the devotees as well as the local and foreign tourists who visit Hikkaduwa area.
Major shrines
''Seenigama Devalaya'', situated in Seenigama, Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, in south-west of Sri Lanka, is a large costal tourist area, covering 11 different villages over 6 km (3.7 mi) on the ocean, and 3 km (1.9 mi) inland. It is run by the Hikkaduwa Urban Council.
Located in the Galle District, Hikkaduw ...
is a popular shrine dedicated to Devol deviyo, which is the destination of people who comes to make offerings to the deity.Amazing Lanka Seenigama Devalaya consists of two shrines, a shrine located in the mainland at the entrance and an ancient shrine which located in a small island that is separated from main land by the coastal waters. Another major shrine dedicated to the deity, known as ''Welle devalaya'' (Shrine of the beach) is situated in
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a coastal town in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and known for its beach and corals. It is a suburb of Galle, about southeast of the city center and approximately south of Colombo. ...
, Galle
Galle (, ; , ) (formerly ) is a major city on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, south of Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern Province, Sri Lanka and is the capital of Galle District.
Galle was known as ''Gi ...
. An annual Esala festival is held for several days with the attendance of thousands of devotees at the Unawatuna Wella devalaya in the month of July/ August
There is another devalaya down in Weragoda, close to Ginthota where the baton of the 'Devol deviyo' is believed to be buried.
* Seenigama devalaya, Seenigama, Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, in south-west of Sri Lanka, is a large costal tourist area, covering 11 different villages over 6 km (3.7 mi) on the ocean, and 3 km (1.9 mi) inland. It is run by the Hikkaduwa Urban Council.
Located in the Galle District, Hikkaduw ...
* Wella devalaya, Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a coastal town in Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and known for its beach and corals. It is a suburb of Galle, about southeast of the city center and approximately south of Colombo. ...
* Weragoda devalaya, Ginthota
Devol Maduwa
Devol Maduwa or Devol Madu is a traditional low country Sinhalese dance that is practiced to propitiate Devol deity. This ritual is performed by the villagers to re-enact the arrival of Devol deity to Sri Lanka. By performing this ritual villagers expect good luck, expelling evil spirits and protection from epidemics.
See also
*Culture of Sri Lanka
The culture of Sri Lanka mixes modern elements with traditional aspects and is known for its regional diversity. Sri Lankan culture has long been influenced by the heritage of Theravada Buddhism and the religion's legacy is particularly stron ...
References
{{ReflistExternal links
Seenigama Temple
Sinhalese Buddhist deities