Queen ViharaMahadevi Archives

Against The Modernist Grain: Polyandry & Other Traditional Practices that may still persist in Sri Lanka-by Michael Roberts Source:Thuppahis Asiff Hussein, courtesy of Roar Life, 25 April 2017, where the chosen title is “Three Strange Sri Lankan Customs And The Stories Behind Them” Sri Lankans had, and still have, some strange traditions that are thought of as indigenous. However, much of these have their origins in other parts of the world, especially in India, and, to a lesser extent, in the Middle East. Here are three such local beliefs and customs with exotic origins. Dola-Duka (Pregnancy Craving) Sri Lankans, and especially the Sinhalese, believe that mothers-to-be experience a longing to eat certain kinds of foods, and that if these cravings are not satisfied, it would harm her health or the child she is carrying. This is known as dola-duka. Rural folk, in particular, believe that if the expectant mother’s dola-duka cravings are not sated, she would become weak and emaciated. ...

Muhudu Maha Viharaya – steeped in history and legend By Arundathie Abeysinghe Muhudu Maha Viharaya or the ‘Temple by the Sea’ is steeped in history and legend. Situated in *Pottuvil in *Ampara District, King Kawantissa (205-161 BC) who ruled the Kingdom of *Ruhuna had constructed this temple. The Temple is also an archaeologically significant heritage monument. There is a statue of the Buddha and two dolomite marble statues believed to be those of royalty facing the Buddha Statue in the temple premises. According to some scholars, the two statues facing the Buddha Statue are two attending *Bodhisattva Statues. According to some scholars, the royal figures depicted in worshiping position are those of King Kawantissa and his Queen ViharaMahadevi. The temple is located on the sand dunes of Pottuvil and the serene white stupa of the Temple can be seen from *Arugam Bay beach. Among the ruins at the Temple Complex, ...