Pulleyar Kovil at Kandy

Ganesa-kovil, situated in the Kandy city close to the Police Headquarters, on the opposite side of the Katukele road, is a shrine venerated by Hindu and Buddhist devotees. This shrine symbolises the religious harmony between the Hindus and Buddhists.

The Royal washerman of King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha (17981815) used the waterfall originating from Bahirawakanda, situated behind the dévdla. Once, he had dreamt the presence of Deity Isvara under a rock, suggesting the construction of a temple at this site. He had communicated this dream to the landlord, Arunasalam Ramanathan Chettiar. He, in turn, had informed King Sri Wickrama Rajasinha, who ordered him to construct a Kovil at the site. Some attribute this incident to a previous King, Kirti Sri Rajasinha. The original figure of the Deity Ganesa, it is believed, is still kept in the kévil. Hence the name Ganesa kévil Alias Pulleyar kévil. Ownership of the Kovil is with the descendants of the Chettiar, and the present owner now lives in India.

After the water cutting ceremony at the end of the Esala festival, the procession commences from the Ganesa k6vil. This practice is followed to commemorate the fact that kings purified themselves before leaving on tours outside the city. “Water-cutting” is the ceremonial splitting of the water by the royal sword and gathering some water from there.

(Heritage of Kandurata by Dr. H.A.P. Abeyawardana P17)

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Pulleyar Kovil - Kandy

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