The Deva people (Deva being Sinhala for God or Deity) were one of the legendary, aboriginal inhabitants of Sri Lanka who worshipped gods. According to the Mahavamsa. They lived among the Naga, Yakkha and Raskha and ousted their arch enemies the Raskha, with the help of Lord Vishnu.[1] They were subsequently then conquered by King Ravana of the Raskha. After the Yakkhas had left to live in the mountains and remote dense forests, they met Gautama Buddha who converted them to Buddhism.[2][3]
Encounter with Buddha edit
According to legend Buddha meet the Deva at Mahiyangana.[4] Buddha gave Sumana Saman (A leader of the Deva) a few hairs from his head, which were placed in a golden urn and enshrined in a sapphire stupa. A buddhist monk called Sarabhu is then said to have deposited Buddha's ashes in this Stupa. This stupa is now called the "Mahiyangana Stupa" and can be found in Anuradhapura museum.[5]
Sumana Saman edit
Sumana Saman was a leader of the Deva who came from the central hills of Sri Lanka.[4] Some Sri Lankan Buddhists worship him as deity.[2] He is said to be the guardian of Adam's peak.[6]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ R.K. Ramakrishnan (2003). Ravana and Lanka. Dehli: Global Vision Publishing House. 31.
- ^ a b W. L. Wijayawansa . (2009). Curbing the tribesmen . Available: http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/12/31/fea25.asp. Last accessed 17 March 2010.
- ^ John M. Senaveratna (1997). The Story of the Sinhalese. Colombo: Asian Educational Services.
- ^ a b Duruthu Poya - The Buddha’s first visit to Lanka. (2009). Gamini Jayasinghe. Available: http://www.amarasara.info/hotnews/20091231-02.htm. Last accessed 17 March 2010.
- ^ Ven. S. Dhammika & BuddhaNet/Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. (2007). Mahiyangana. Available: http://www.buddhanet.net/sacred-island/mahiyangana.html. Last accessed 17 March 2010.
- ^ A.G.S. Kariyawasam . (1995). The Gods & Deity Worship in Sri Lanka. Available: http://www.lankalibrary.com/myths/gods.htm. Last accessed 17 March 2010.
External links edit
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| Traditional | |
| Multiracial | |
| Immigrants | |
