FOUR DEVALE SHRINES

The existence of one Buddhist and three Hindu shrines closely connected with each other is a pure example of the curious combination of Hindu and Buddhist faiths. These shrines are the Natha Devale shrine with its presiding divinity the Mahayana Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. The Maha Devale or the shrine of Visnu is one of the Brahmanical Triad. The shrine of the Kataragama or Skauda, is the son of god Siva in the Hindu Triad. The shrine of the female Divinity the Pattini is well known for curing infectious diseases. All four devales are provided with small scale Buddhist monasteries, indicating the syncretistic nature of the respective shrines.

All four Devales have their own lay custodians (Basnayaka Nilame) who play a significant role in the activities of the sacred Tooth Relic shrine, especially in the annual Dalada procession. The divinities of these shrines are considered as protectors of the sacred Tooth Relic. This syncretistic ritual of joint worship apparently has practiced beginning from 14th century onwards. The service rituals are conducted by the serviceman known as Kapurala, who also plays an important role in the annual pageant, especially in the Water-Cutting ceremony. The devotees who assemble at the four Devales almost daily seek refuge in the respective divinities by obtaining their blessings through the chanting made by the Kapurala of the Devale.