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Benutzer:Shi Annan/Kandy Esala Perahera

2007-01-15T12:33:49Z

Wikramadithya: m

'''Esala Perahera''' (A-suh-luh peh-ruh-ha-ruh) is the grand [[festival]] of Esala held in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated [[elephant]]s. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'.
[[image:Kandy_dancers.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Dancers in the Esala Perahera]]

==History==
[[image:KandyPerahara.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Elephants in the Esala Perahera]][[Image:Nilames in Perahera Litho 1841.JPG|thumb|right|A lithograph from 1841 showing how the traditional Nilames respected the sanctity of the Tooth relic. This is in stark contrast to some modern Nilames who organise the pagent to give the impression that it is being held to honour them rather than the relic, and now even walk under umbrellas which were previously carried in the procession to honour the relics. Contrary to custom, some of them even wear shoes now while attending on the relics.]]
[[Image:Kandy_Perehera_1977.JPG|thumb|right|The Kandy Perehera in 1977 shows that Nilames were still respecting the sanctity of the ceremonial umbrellas which are carried in the procession for the sole purpose of honoring the Tooth relic. The first to desecrate this sanctity was Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijayaratne (1990’s)who had it held over his head to honor him rather than the relic. During his tenure the umbrella kept getting larger and larger every year until it was larger than even a large garden umbrella. He also wore shoes when attending on the Tooth relic.]]

The Esala Perahera in [[Kandy]] is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected "''Peraheras''" (Processions) – The ''Esala'' and ''Dalada''. The Esala Perahera which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] of the [[Buddha]] was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.

===Modern Perahera===

The Modern Perahera dates back to the reign of the Kandyan King [[Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe]] ([[1747]] – [[1781]] AD). During these times, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Tooth Relic]] was considered private property of the [[Kings| King]] and the public never got a chance to worship it. However, King Rajasinghe decreed that the Relic be taken in procession for the masses to see and venerate.

After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in [[1815]], the custody of the Relic was handed over to the ''Maha Sanga'' (the [[Buddhism| Buddhist Clergy]]). In the absence of the king, a lay custodian called the "''[[Diyawadana Nilame]]''" was appointed to handle routine administrative matters.

==The Procession==
The Kandy Esala Perahera begins with the ''Kap Situveema'' or ''Kappa'', in which a sanctified young [[Jack tree]] (''[[Artocarpus integrifolia]]'') is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four [[Devale| Devales]] dedicated to the four guardian gods [[Natha]], [[Vishnu]], [[Katharagama]] and the goddess [[Pattini]]. Traditionally it was meant to shower blessing on the King and the people.

===The Kumbal Perahera===

For the next five nights, the "''Devale Peraheras''" take place within the premises of the four Devales with the priest of each Devale taking the pole every evening, accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers, spearman and the ''Ran Ayudha'', the sacred insignia of the Gods.

On the sixth night, the ''Kumbal Perahera'' begins and continues on for five days. Initially, the Devale Peraheras assemble in front of the [[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] (or Temple of the Tooth, which is [[Sri Lanka]]'s most important Buddhist Shrine and where the Buddha’s [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] has been kept since the 16th Century) with their insignias placed on the ''ransivige'' (a dome-like structure) accompanied by the ''[[Basnayake Nilames]]'' (the lay custodians of the Devales).

The relic casket, which is a substitute for the Tooth Relic, is placed inside the ransivige affixed to the Maligawa Elephant, a [[tusker]]
At about 8pm, the ''Maligawa Perahera'' joins the awaiting Devale Peraheras and leads the procession. Whip-crackers and fireball acrobats clear the path, followed by the Buddhist flag bearers. Then, riding on the first elephant, is the official called ''Peramuna Rala'' (Front Official). He is followed by Kandyan Drummers and Dancers who enthrall the crowd, and are themselves followed by [[elephant]]s and other groups of musicians, dancers and flag bearers. A group of singers dressed in white heralds the arrival of the Maligawa Tusker carrying the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]]. The [[Diyawadana Nilame]] (traditionally required to do everything in his power to ensure rain in the correct season) walks in traditional Kandyan-clothed splendor after the tusker.

:The above description of the Diyawadana Nilame as a rain maker is a brand new interpretation. Under the Kandyan monarchy he was the royal valet and his main duty was to bathe and groom the king. The present duties of the Nilame are duties assigned by the British rulers

The second procession is from the [[Natha Devale]], which faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is said to be the oldest building in [[Kandy]], dating back to the 14th Century.

The third is from the [[Vishnu Devale]] ([[Vishnu]] being a Hindu god), also known as the Maha Devale. It is situated in from of the main gate of the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the [[Katharagama Devale]] (dedicated to the God of [[Katharagama]], identified with the warrior god [[Skanda]]) which is on Kottugodalle Vidiya (a street in [[Kandy]]). This procession includes [[Kavadi]], the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim-dances carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the [[Pattini Devale]] ([[Pattini]] being a goddess associated with the cure of infectious diseases and called upon in times of drought and famine), which is situated to the West of the Natha Devale. This is the only procession that has [[women]] dances.

The following important times are announced by the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard all across [[Kandy]].
#The commencement of the Devale Peraheras
#The placing of the casket on the tuskers back
#The commencement of the Dalada Perahera
#The completion of the Perahera

===The Randoli Perahera===

The ''Randoli Perahera'' begins after five nights of the Kumbal Perahera. Randoli refers to palanquins on which the Queens of the ruling Kings traditionally traveled.

===Diya Kepeema and the Day Perahera===

After a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the ''Diya Kepeema'', which is the water cutting ceremony at the [[Mahaweli River]] at [[Getambe]], a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony.

==Organization of the Perahera==

The rituals connected with the Tooth Relic are conducted by Monks of the [[Malwatte Chapter| Malwatte]] and [[Asgiriya Chapter]]s of the [[Buddhism| Buddhist clergy]] in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is the duly of the [[Diyawadana Nilame]] to organize the Perahera and thus he summons the large number of officials of the[[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] and entrusts them with various ceremonial duties connected with the conducting of the Perahera. He first gets the [[auspicious time]] from the ''Nekath Mohottala'', the advisor on [[astrology| astrological]] matters. The task of organizing the different types of drummers is handed over to the four officials known as the ''Panikka Mura Baarakaruwo''.

The Maligawa officials also meet the owners of the [[elephant]]s due to take part in the Perahera (most elephants are privately owned). The dance troupes are given time to prepare. The Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales) are then told to organize their processions.

==See also==
*[[Festival]]s
*[[Sri Lanka]]

[[Category:Sri Lankan culture]]
[[category:festivals]]

Benutzer:Shi Annan/Kandy Esala Perahera

2007-01-15T12:28:16Z

Wikramadithya: m

[[image:KandyPerahara.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Elephants at the Esala Perahera]]

'''Esala Perahera''' (A-suh-luh peh-ruh-ha-ruh) is the grand [[festival]] of Esala held in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated [[elephant]]s. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'.

==History==

The Esala Perahera in [[Kandy]] is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected "''Peraheras''" (Processions) – The ''Esala'' and ''Dalada''. The Esala Perahera which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] of the [[Buddha]] was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.

===Modern Perahera===

The Modern Perahera dates back to the reign of the Kandyan King [[Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe]] ([[1747]] – [[1781]] AD). During these times, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Tooth Relic]] was considered private property of the [[Kings| King]] and the public never got a chance to worship it. However, King Rajasinghe decreed that the Relic be taken in procession for the masses to see and venerate.

After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in [[1815]], the custody of the Relic was handed over to the ''Maha Sanga'' (the [[Buddhism| Buddhist Clergy]]). In the absence of the king, a lay custodian called the "''[[Diyawadana Nilame]]''" was appointed to handle routine administrative matters.

==The Procession==

The Kandy Esala Perahera begins with the ''Kap Situveema'' or ''Kappa'', in which a sanctified young [[Jack tree]] (''[[Artocarpus integrifolia]]'') is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four [[Devale| Devales]] dedicated to the four guardian gods [[Natha]], [[Vishnu]], [[Katharagama]] and the goddess [[Pattini]]. Traditionally it was meant to shower blessing on the King and the people.

[[image:Kandy_dancers.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Dancers at the Esala Perahera]]

===The Kumbal Perahera===

For the next five nights, the "''Devale Peraheras''" take place within the premises of the four Devales with the priest of each Devale taking the pole every evening, accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers, spearman and the ''Ran Ayudha'', the sacred insignia of the Gods.

On the sixth night, the ''Kumbal Perahera'' begins and continues on for five days. Initially, the Devale Peraheras assemble in front of the [[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] (or Temple of the Tooth, which is [[Sri Lanka]]'s most important Buddhist Shrine and where the Buddha’s [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] has been kept since the 16th Century) with their insignias placed on the ''ransivige'' (a dome-like structure) accompanied by the ''[[Basnayake Nilames]]'' (the lay custodians of the Devales).

The relic casket, which is a substitute for the Tooth Relic, is placed inside the ransivige affixed to the Maligawa Elephant, a [[tusker]]
[[Image:Nilames in Perahera Litho 1841.JPG|thumb|right|A lithograph from 1841 showing how the traditional Nilames respected the sanctity of the Tooth relic. This is in stark contrast to some modern Nilames who organise the pagent to give the impression that it is being held to honour them rather than the relic, and now even walk under umbrellas which were previously carried in the procession to honour the relics. Contrary to custom, some of them even wear shoes now while attending on the relics.]]
[[Image:Kandy_Perehera_1977.JPG|thumb|right|The Kandy Perehera in 1977 shows that Nilames were still respecting the sanctity of the ceremonial umbrellas which are carried in the procession for the sole purpose of honoring the Tooth relic. The first to desecrate this sanctity was Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijayaratne (1990’s)who had it held over his head to honor him rather than the relic. During his tenure the umbrella kept getting larger and larger every year until it was larger than even a large garden umbrella. He also wore shoes when attending on the Tooth relic.]]
At about 8pm, the ''Maligawa Perahera'' joins the awaiting Devale Peraheras and leads the procession. Whip-crackers and fireball acrobats clear the path, followed by the Buddhist flag bearers. Then, riding on the first elephant, is the official called ''Peramuna Rala'' (Front Official). He is followed by Kandyan Drummers and Dancers who enthrall the crowd, and are themselves followed by [[elephant]]s and other groups of musicians, dancers and flag bearers. A group of singers dressed in white heralds the arrival of the Maligawa Tusker carrying the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]]. The [[Diyawadana Nilame]] (traditionally required to do everything in his power to ensure rain in the correct season) walks in traditional Kandyan-clothed splendor after the tusker.

:The above description of the Diyawadana Nilame as a rain maker is a brand new interpretation. Under the Kandyan monarchy he was the royal valet and his main duty was to bathe and groom the king. The present duties of the Nilame are duties assigned by the British rulers

The second procession is from the [[Natha Devale]], which faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is said to be the oldest building in [[Kandy]], dating back to the 14th Century.

The third is from the [[Vishnu Devale]] ([[Vishnu]] being a Hindu god), also known as the Maha Devale. It is situated in from of the main gate of the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the [[Katharagama Devale]] (dedicated to the God of [[Katharagama]], identified with the warrior god [[Skanda]]) which is on Kottugodalle Vidiya (a street in [[Kandy]]). This procession includes [[Kavadi]], the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim-dances carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the [[Pattini Devale]] ([[Pattini]] being a goddess associated with the cure of infectious diseases and called upon in times of drought and famine), which is situated to the West of the Natha Devale. This is the only procession that has [[women]] dances.

The following important times are announced by the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard all across [[Kandy]].
#The commencement of the Devale Peraheras
#The placing of the casket on the tuskers back
#The commencement of the Dalada Perahera
#The completion of the Perahera

===The Randoli Perahera===

The ''Randoli Perahera'' begins after five nights of the Kumbal Perahera. Randoli refers to palanquins on which the Queens of the ruling Kings traditionally traveled.

===Diya Kepeema and the Day Perahera===

After a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the ''Diya Kepeema'', which is the water cutting ceremony at the [[Mahaweli River]] at [[Getambe]], a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony.

==Organization of the Perahera==

The rituals connected with the Tooth Relic are conducted by Monks of the [[Malwatte Chapter| Malwatte]] and [[Asgiriya Chapter]]s of the [[Buddhism| Buddhist clergy]] in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is the duly of the [[Diyawadana Nilame]] to organize the Perahera and thus he summons the large number of officials of the[[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] and entrusts them with various ceremonial duties connected with the conducting of the Perahera. He first gets the [[auspicious time]] from the ''Nekath Mohottala'', the advisor on [[astrology| astrological]] matters. The task of organizing the different types of drummers is handed over to the four officials known as the ''Panikka Mura Baarakaruwo''.

The Maligawa officials also meet the owners of the [[elephant]]s due to take part in the Perahera (most elephants are privately owned). The dance troupes are given time to prepare. The Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales) are then told to organize their processions.

==See also==
*[[Festival]]s
*[[Sri Lanka]]

[[Category:Sri Lankan culture]]
[[category:festivals]]

Benutzer:Shi Annan/Kandy Esala Perahera

2006-12-24T02:39:59Z

Wikramadithya: /* The Procession */

[[image:KandyPerahara.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Elephants at the Esala Perahera]]

'''Esala Perahera''' (A-suh-luh peh-ruh-ha-ruh) is the grand [[festival]] of Esala held in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated [[elephant]]s. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'.

==History==

The Esala Perahera in [[Kandy]] is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected "''Peraheras''" (Processions) – The ''Esala'' and ''Dalada''. The Esala Perahera which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] of the [[Buddha]] was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.

===Modern Perahera===

The Modern Perahera dates back to the reign of the Kandyan King [[Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe]] ([[1747]] – [[1781]] AD). During these times, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Tooth Relic]] was considered private property of the [[Kings| King]] and the public never got a chance to worship it. However, King Rajasinghe decreed that the Relic be taken in procession for the masses to see and venerate.

After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in [[1815]], the custody of the Relic was handed over to the ''Maha Sanga'' (the [[Buddhism| Buddhist Clergy]]). In the absence of the king, a lay custodian called the "''[[Diyawadana Nilame]]''" was appointed to handle routine administrative matters.

==The Procession==

The Kandy Esala Perahera begins with the ''Kap Situveema'' or ''Kappa'', in which a sanctified young [[Jack tree]] (''[[Artocarpus integrifolia]]'') is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four [[Devale| Devales]] dedicated to the four guardian gods [[Natha]], [[Vishnu]], [[Katharagama]] and the goddess [[Pattini]]. Traditionally it was meant to shower blessing on the King and the people.

[[image:Kandy_dancers.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Dancers at the Esala Perahera]]

===The Kumbal Perahera===

For the next five nights, the "''Devale Peraheras''" take place within the premises of the four Devales with the priest of each Devale taking the pole every evening, accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers, spearman and the ''Ran Ayudha'', the sacred insignia of the Gods.

On the sixth night, the ''Kumbal Perahera'' begins and continues on for five days. Initially, the Devale Peraheras assemble in front of the [[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] (or Temple of the Tooth, which is [[Sri Lanka]]'s most important Buddhist Shrine and where the Buddha’s [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] has been kept since the 16th Century) with their insignias placed on the ''ransivige'' (a dome-like structure) accompanied by the ''[[Basnayake Nilames]]'' (the lay custodians of the Devales).

The relic casket, which is a substitute for the Tooth Relic, is placed inside the ransivige affixed to the Maligawa Elephant, a [[tusker]].

[[Image:Nilames in Perahera Litho 1841.JPG|thumb|right|A lithograph from 1841 showing how the traditional Nilames respected the sanctity of the Tooth relic. This is in stark contrast to some modern Nilames who organise the pagent to give the impression that it is being held to honour them rather than the relic, and now even walk under umbrellas which were previously carried in the procession to honour the relics. Contrary to custom, some of them even wear shoes now while attending on the relics]].
[[Image:Kandy_Perehera_1977.JPG|thumb|right|The Kandy Perehera in 1977 shows that Nilames were still respecting the sanctity of the ceremonial umbrellas which are carried in the procession for the sole purpose of honoring the Tooth relic. The first to desecrate this sanctity was Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijayaratne (1990’s)who had it held over his head to honor him rather than the relic. During his tenure the umbrella kept getting larger and larger every year until it was larger than even a large garden umbrella. He also wore shoes when attending on the Tooth relic.]]
At about 8pm, the ''Maligawa Perahera'' joins the awaiting Devale Peraheras and leads the procession. Whip-crackers and fireball acrobats clear the path, followed by the Buddhist flag bearers. Then, riding on the first elephant, is the official called ''Peramuna Rala'' (Front Official). He is followed by Kandyan Drummers and Dancers who enthrall the crowd, and are themselves followed by [[elephant]]s and other groups of musicians, dancers and flag bearers. A group of singers dressed in white heralds the arrival of the Maligawa Tusker carrying the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]]. The [[Diyawadana Nilame]] (traditionally required to do everything in his power to ensure rain in the correct season) walks in traditional Kandyan-clothed splendor after the tusker.

The above description of the Diyawadana Nilame as a rain maker is a brand new interpretation. Under the Kandyan monarchy he was the royal valet and his main duty was to bathe and groom the king. The present duties of the Nilame are duties asigned by the British rulers

The second procession is from the [[Natha Devale]], which faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is said to be the oldest building in [[Kandy]], dating back to the 14th Century.

The third is from the [[Vishnu Devale]] ([[Vishnu]] being a Hindu god), also known as the Maha Devale. It is situated in from of the main gate of the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the [[Katharagama Devale]] (dedicated to the God of [[Katharagama]], identified with the warrior god [[Skanda]]) which is on Kottugodalle Vidiya (a street in [[Kandy]]). This procession includes [[Kavadi]], the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim-dances carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the [[Pattini Devale]] ([[Pattini]] being a goddess associated with the cure of infectious diseases and called upon in times of drought and famine), which is situated to the West of the Natha Devale. This is the only procession that has [[women]] dances.

The following important times are announced by the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard all across [[Kandy]].
#The commencement of the Devale Peraheras
#The placing of the casket on the tuskers back
#The commencement of the Dalada Perahera
#The completion of the Perahera

===The Randoli Perahera===

The ''Randoli Perahera'' begins after five nights of the Kumbal Perahera. Randoli refers to palanquins on which the Queens of the ruling Kings traditionally traveled.

===Diya Kepeema and the Day Perahera===

After a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the ''Diya Kepeema'', which is the water cutting ceremony at the [[Mahaweli River]] at [[Getambe]], a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony.

==Organization of the Perahera==

The rituals connected with the Tooth Relic are conducted by Monks of the [[Malwatte Chapter| Malwatte]] and [[Asgiriya Chapter]]s of the [[Buddhism| Buddhist clergy]] in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is the duly of the [[Diyawadana Nilame]] to organize the Perahera and thus he summons the large number of officials of the[[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] and entrusts them with various ceremonial duties connected with the conducting of the Perahera. He first gets the [[auspicious time]] from the ''Nekath Mohottala'', the advisor on [[astrology| astrological]] matters. The task of organizing the different types of drummers is handed over to the four officials known as the ''Panikka Mura Baarakaruwo''.

The Maligawa officials also meet the owners of the [[elephant]]s due to take part in the Perahera (most elephants are privately owned). The dance troupes are given time to prepare. The Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales) are then told to organize their processions.

==See also==
*[[Festival]]s
*[[Sri Lanka]]

[[Category:Sri Lankan culture]]
[[category:festivals]]

Benutzer:Shi Annan/Kandy Esala Perahera

2006-12-24T02:30:51Z

Wikramadithya: /* The Procession */

[[image:KandyPerahara.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Elephants at the Esala Perahera]]

'''Esala Perahera''' (A-suh-luh peh-ruh-ha-ruh) is the grand [[festival]] of Esala held in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated [[elephant]]s. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'.

==History==

The Esala Perahera in [[Kandy]] is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected "''Peraheras''" (Processions) – The ''Esala'' and ''Dalada''. The Esala Perahera which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] of the [[Buddha]] was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.

===Modern Perahera===

The Modern Perahera dates back to the reign of the Kandyan King [[Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe]] ([[1747]] – [[1781]] AD). During these times, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Tooth Relic]] was considered private property of the [[Kings| King]] and the public never got a chance to worship it. However, King Rajasinghe decreed that the Relic be taken in procession for the masses to see and venerate.

After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in [[1815]], the custody of the Relic was handed over to the ''Maha Sanga'' (the [[Buddhism| Buddhist Clergy]]). In the absence of the king, a lay custodian called the "''[[Diyawadana Nilame]]''" was appointed to handle routine administrative matters.

==The Procession==

The Kandy Esala Perahera begins with the ''Kap Situveema'' or ''Kappa'', in which a sanctified young [[Jack tree]] (''[[Artocarpus integrifolia]]'') is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four [[Devale| Devales]] dedicated to the four guardian gods [[Natha]], [[Vishnu]], [[Katharagama]] and the goddess [[Pattini]]. Traditionally it was meant to shower blessing on the King and the people.

[[image:Kandy_dancers.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Dancers at the Esala Perahera]]

===The Kumbal Perahera===

For the next five nights, the "''Devale Peraheras''" take place within the premises of the four Devales with the priest of each Devale taking the pole every evening, accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers, spearman and the ''Ran Ayudha'', the sacred insignia of the Gods.

On the sixth night, the ''Kumbal Perahera'' begins and continues on for five days. Initially, the Devale Peraheras assemble in front of the [[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] (or Temple of the Tooth, which is [[Sri Lanka]]'s most important Buddhist Shrine and where the Buddha’s [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] has been kept since the 16th Century) with their insignias placed on the ''ransivige'' (a dome-like structure) accompanied by the ''[[Basnayake Nilames]]'' (the lay custodians of the Devales).

The relic casket, which is a substitute for the Tooth Relic, is placed inside the ransivige affixed to the Maligawa Elephant, a [[tusker]].

[[Image:Nilames in Perahera Litho 1841.JPG|thumb|right|A lithograph from 1841 showing how the traditional Nilames respected the sanctity of the Tooth relic. This is in stark contrast to some modern Nilames who organise the pagent to give the impression that it is being held to honour them rather than the relic, and now even walk under umbrellas which were previously carried in the procession to honour the relics. Contrary to custom, some of them even wear shoes now while attending on the relics]].
[[Image:Kandy_Perehera_1977.JPG|thumb|right|The Kandy Perehera in 1977 shows that Nilames were still respecting the sanctity of the ceremonial umbrellas which are carried in the procession for the sole purpose of honoring the Tooth relic. The first to desecrate this sanctity was Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijayaratne (1990’s)who had it held over his head to honor him rather than the relic. During his tenure the umbrella kept getting larger and larger every year until it was larger than even a large garden umbrella]]
At about 8pm, the ''Maligawa Perahera'' joins the awaiting Devale Peraheras and leads the procession. Whip-crackers and fireball acrobats clear the path, followed by the Buddhist flag bearers. Then, riding on the first elephant, is the official called ''Peramuna Rala'' (Front Official). He is followed by Kandyan Drummers and Dancers who enthrall the crowd, and are themselves followed by [[elephant]]s and other groups of musicians, dancers and flag bearers. A group of singers dressed in white heralds the arrival of the Maligawa Tusker carrying the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]]. The [[Diyawadana Nilame]] (traditionally required to do everything in his power to ensure rain in the correct season) walks in traditional Kandyan-clothed splendor after the tusker.

The above description of the Diyawadana Nilame as a rain maker is a brand new interpretation. Under the Kandyan monarchy he was the royal valet and his main duty was to bathe and groom the king. The present duties of the Nilame are duties asigned by the British rulers

The second procession is from the [[Natha Devale]], which faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is said to be the oldest building in [[Kandy]], dating back to the 14th Century.

The third is from the [[Vishnu Devale]] ([[Vishnu]] being a Hindu god), also known as the Maha Devale. It is situated in from of the main gate of the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the [[Katharagama Devale]] (dedicated to the God of [[Katharagama]], identified with the warrior god [[Skanda]]) which is on Kottugodalle Vidiya (a street in [[Kandy]]). This procession includes [[Kavadi]], the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim-dances carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the [[Pattini Devale]] ([[Pattini]] being a goddess associated with the cure of infectious diseases and called upon in times of drought and famine), which is situated to the West of the Natha Devale. This is the only procession that has [[women]] dances.

The following important times are announced by the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard all across [[Kandy]].
#The commencement of the Devale Peraheras
#The placing of the casket on the tuskers back
#The commencement of the Dalada Perahera
#The completion of the Perahera

===The Randoli Perahera===

The ''Randoli Perahera'' begins after five nights of the Kumbal Perahera. Randoli refers to palanquins on which the Queens of the ruling Kings traditionally traveled.

===Diya Kepeema and the Day Perahera===

After a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the ''Diya Kepeema'', which is the water cutting ceremony at the [[Mahaweli River]] at [[Getambe]], a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony.

==Organization of the Perahera==

The rituals connected with the Tooth Relic are conducted by Monks of the [[Malwatte Chapter| Malwatte]] and [[Asgiriya Chapter]]s of the [[Buddhism| Buddhist clergy]] in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is the duly of the [[Diyawadana Nilame]] to organize the Perahera and thus he summons the large number of officials of the[[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] and entrusts them with various ceremonial duties connected with the conducting of the Perahera. He first gets the [[auspicious time]] from the ''Nekath Mohottala'', the advisor on [[astrology| astrological]] matters. The task of organizing the different types of drummers is handed over to the four officials known as the ''Panikka Mura Baarakaruwo''.

The Maligawa officials also meet the owners of the [[elephant]]s due to take part in the Perahera (most elephants are privately owned). The dance troupes are given time to prepare. The Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales) are then told to organize their processions.

==See also==
*[[Festival]]s
*[[Sri Lanka]]

[[Category:Sri Lankan culture]]
[[category:festivals]]

Benutzer:Shi Annan/Kandy Esala Perahera

2006-11-22T17:00:05Z

Wikramadithya:

[[image:KandyPerahara.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Elephants at the Esala Perahera]]

'''Esala Perahera''' (A-suh-luh peh-ruh-ha-ruh) is the grand [[festival]] of Esala held in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is very grand with elegant costumes. Happening in July or August in Kandy, it has become a unique symbol of Sri Lanka. It is a [[Buddhism|Buddhist]] festival consisting of dances and richly-decorated [[elephant]]s. There are fire-dances, whip-dances, Kandian dances and various other cultural dances. The elephants are usually adorned with lavish garments. The festival ends with the traditional 'diya-kepeema'.

==History==

The Esala Perahera in [[Kandy]] is believed to be a fusion of two separate but interconnected "''Peraheras''" (Processions) – The ''Esala'' and ''Dalada''. The Esala Perahera which is thought to date back to the 3rd century BC, was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall. The Dalada Perahera is believed to have begun when the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] of the [[Buddha]] was brought to Sri Lanka from India during the 4th Century AD.

===Modern Perahera===

The Modern Perahera dates back to the reign of the Kandyan King [[Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe]] ([[1747]] – [[1781]] AD). During these times, the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Tooth Relic]] was considered private property of the [[Kings| King]] and the public never got a chance to worship it. However, King Rajasinghe decreed that the Relic be taken in procession for the masses to see and venerate.

After the Kandyan Kingdom fell to the British in [[1815]], the custody of the Relic was handed over to the ''Maha Sanga'' (the [[Buddhism| Buddhist Clergy]]). In the absence of the king, a lay custodian called the "''[[Diyawadana Nilame]]''" was appointed to handle routine administrative matters.

==The Procession==

The Kandy Esala Perahera begins with the ''Kap Situveema'' or ''Kappa'', in which a sanctified young [[Jack tree]] (''[[Artocarpus integrifolia]]'') is cut and planted in the premises of each of the four [[Devale| Devales]] dedicated to the four guardian gods [[Natha]], [[Vishnu]], [[Katharagama]] and the goddess [[Pattini]]. Traditionally it was meant to shower blessing on the King and the people.

[[image:Kandy_dancers.jpg|350px|thumb|right|Dancers at the Esala Perahera]]

===The Kumbal Perahera===

For the next five nights, the "''Devale Peraheras''" take place within the premises of the four Devales with the priest of each Devale taking the pole every evening, accompanied by music and drumming, flag and canopy bearers, spearman and the ''Ran Ayudha'', the sacred insignia of the Gods.

On the sixth night, the ''Kumbal Perahera'' begins and continues on for five days. Initially, the Devale Peraheras assemble in front of the [[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] (or Temple of the Tooth, which is [[Sri Lanka]]'s most important Buddhist Shrine and where the Buddha’s [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]] has been kept since the 16th Century) with their insignias placed on the ''ransivige'' (a dome-like structure) accompanied by the ''[[Basnayake Nilames]]'' (the lay custodians of the Devales).

The relic casket, which is a substitute for the Tooth Relic, is placed inside the ransivige affixed to the Maligawa Elephant, a [[tusker]].

[[Image:Nilames in Perahera Litho 1841.JPG|thumb|right|A lithograph from 1841 showing how the traditional Nilames respected the sanctity of the Tooth relic. This is in stark contrast to some modern Nilames who organise the pagent to give the impression that it is being held to honour them rather than the relic, and now even walk under umbrellas which were previously carried in the procession to honour the relics. Contrary to custom, some of them even wear shoes now while attending on the relics]].
At about 8pm, the ''Maligawa Perahera'' joins the awaiting Devale Peraheras and leads the procession. Whip-crackers and fireball acrobats clear the path, followed by the Buddhist flag bearers. Then, riding on the first elephant, is the official called ''Peramuna Rala'' (Front Official). He is followed by Kandyan Drummers and Dancers who enthrall the crowd, and are themselves followed by [[elephant]]s and other groups of musicians, dancers and flag bearers. A group of singers dressed in white heralds the arrival of the Maligawa Tusker carrying the [[Relic of the tooth of the Buddha| Sacred Tooth Relic]]. The [[Diyawadana Nilame]] (traditionally required to do everything in his power to ensure rain in the correct season) walks in traditional Kandyan-clothed splendor after the tusker.

The above description of the Diyawadana Nilame as a rain maker is a brand new interpretation. Under the Kandyan monarchy he was the royal valet and his main duty was to bathe and groom the king. The present duties of the Nilame are duties asigned by the British rulers

The second procession is from the [[Natha Devale]], which faces the Sri Dalada Maligawa and is said to be the oldest building in [[Kandy]], dating back to the 14th Century.

The third is from the [[Vishnu Devale]] ([[Vishnu]] being a Hindu god), also known as the Maha Devale. It is situated in from of the main gate of the Natha Devale.

The fourth procession is from the [[Katharagama Devale]] (dedicated to the God of [[Katharagama]], identified with the warrior god [[Skanda]]) which is on Kottugodalle Vidiya (a street in [[Kandy]]). This procession includes [[Kavadi]], the peacock dance, in which the pilgrim-dances carry semicircular wooden contraptions studded with peacock feathers on their shoulders.

The fifth and final procession is from the [[Pattini Devale]] ([[Pattini]] being a goddess associated with the cure of infectious diseases and called upon in times of drought and famine), which is situated to the West of the Natha Devale. This is the only procession that has [[women]] dances.

The following important times are announced by the firing of cannonballs, which can be heard all across [[Kandy]].
#The commencement of the Devale Peraheras
#The placing of the casket on the tuskers back
#The commencement of the Dalada Perahera
#The completion of the Perahera

===The Randoli Perahera===

The ''Randoli Perahera'' begins after five nights of the Kumbal Perahera. Randoli refers to palanquins on which the Queens of the ruling Kings traditionally traveled.

===Diya Kepeema and the Day Perahera===

After a further five nights of the Randoli Perahera, the pageant ends with the ''Diya Kepeema'', which is the water cutting ceremony at the [[Mahaweli River]] at [[Getambe]], a town a few miles from Kandy. A Day Perahera is held to mark the ceremony.

==Organization of the Perahera==

The rituals connected with the Tooth Relic are conducted by Monks of the [[Malwatte Chapter| Malwatte]] and [[Asgiriya Chapter]]s of the [[Buddhism| Buddhist clergy]] in [[Sri Lanka]]. It is the duly of the [[Diyawadana Nilame]] to organize the Perahera and thus he summons the large number of officials of the[[Sri Dalada Maligawa]] and entrusts them with various ceremonial duties connected with the conducting of the Perahera. He first gets the [[auspicious time]] from the ''Nekath Mohottala'', the advisor on [[astrology| astrological]] matters. The task of organizing the different types of drummers is handed over to the four officials known as the ''Panikka Mura Baarakaruwo''.

The Maligawa officials also meet the owners of the [[elephant]]s due to take part in the Perahera (most elephants are privately owned). The dance troupes are given time to prepare. The Basnayake Nilames (the lay custodians of the Devales) are then told to organize their processions.

==See also==
*[[Festival]]s
*[[Sri Lanka]]

[[Category:Sri Lankan culture]]
[[category:festivals]]

Amarapura Nikaya

2006-10-15T14:13:55Z

Wikramadithya:

{{buddhism}}

The '''Amarapura Nikaya''' is a [[Sri Lanka]]n monastic fraternity (a lineage of ordained monks) founded in [[1800]]. It is named after the city of [[Amarapura]], [[Myanmar]] (then [[Burma]]), the former capital of the Burmese kingdom. Amarapura Nikaya monks are followers of the [[Theravada]] tradition.

==History==
By the mid 18th century, ''[[upasampada]]'' (higher ordination, as distinct from [[samanera]] or [[novice]] ordination) had become extinct in Sri Lanka again. The Buddhist order had become extinct thrice during the preceding five hundred years and was re-established in the reigns of Vimala Dharma Suriya I (1591 - 1604) and Vimala Dharma Suriya II (1687 - 1707) as well. These re-establishments were short lived. On the initiative of Ven. Weliwita Saranankara (1698-1778) the Thai monk Upali Thera visited Kandy during the reign of king Kirti Sri Rajasinghe (1747 - 1782) and once again reestablished the Buddhist order in Sri Lanka in 1753. It was called the [[Siyam Nikaya]] after the "Kingdom of Siam".

However in 1764, merely a decade after the re-establishment of the Buddhist order in Sri Lanka by reverend Upali, a group within the newly created [[Siyam Nikaya]] conspired and succeeded in restricting the Nikaya's higher ordination only to the [[Govigama]] caste. This was a period when Buddhist [[Vinaya]] rules had been virtually abandoned and some members of the Buddhist Sangha in the Kandyan Kingdom privately held land, had wives and children, resided in the private homes and were called Ganinnanses. It was a period when the traditional nobility of the Kandyan Kingdom was decimated by continuous wars with the Dutch rulers of the Maritime Provinces. In the maritime provinces too a new order was replacing the old. Mandarampura Puvata, a text from the Kandyan perid, narrates the above radical changes to the monastic order and shows that it was not a unanimous decision by the body of the sangha. It says that thirty two ‘senior’ members of the Sangha who opposed this change were banished to [[Jaffna]] by the leaders of the reform.

The Govigama exclusivity of the Sangha thus secured in 1764 was almost immediately challenged by other castes who without the patronage of the King of Kandy or of the [[British Empire|British]], held their own [[upasampada]] ceremony at Totagamuwa Vihara in [[1772]]. Another was held at Tangalle in [[1798]]. Neither of these ceremonies were approved by the [[Siam Nikaya]] which claimed that these were not in accordance with the [[Vinaya]] rules.

As a consequence of this ‘exclusvely Govigama’ policy adopted in 1764 by the Siyam Nikaya, the Buddhists in the Maritime provinces were denied access to a valid ordination lineage. Hoping to rectify this situation, wealthy laymen from the maritime provinces financed an expedition to Burma to found a new monastic lineage. In [[1799]], Ambagahapitiye Gnanavimala Thera a monk from the [[Salagama]] [[caste]], from Balapitiya on the south western coast of Sri lanka, departed for Burma with a group of novices to seek a new sucession of Higher ordination. The first [[bhikkhu]] was ordained in Burma in 1800 by the [[sangharaja]] of Burma, his party having been welcomed to Burma by King [[Bodawpaya]].

The initial mission returned to Sri Lanka in [[1803]]. Soon after their return to the island they established a ''udakhupkhepa sima'' (a flotilla of boats moved together to form a platform on the water) at the [[Maduganga river]], Balapitiya and, under the most senior Myanmar bhikkhu who accompanied them, held an upasampada ceremony on Vesak Full Moon Day. The new fraternity came to be known as the ''Amarapura Nikaya'', from the then capital of Burma .

Several subsequent trips to Burma by [[Karava]] and [[Durava]] monks as well, created by 1810 a core group of ordained monks and provided the required quorum for Higher Ordination of Amarapura Nikaya monks in Sri Lanka. The higher ordination denied to them in 1764 by the Govigama conspirators had been regained and they were soon granted recognition by the colonial British government. However the radical change of ordination rules by the [[Siyam Nikaya]] in 1764, and its continuance despite it being contrary to the teachings of the [[Buddha]], plagues the Sri Lankan Buddhist Sangha, and the Sangha remains divided on caste lines.

==Significance==
The establishment of the Amarapura Nikaya was significant because it signled a change in the social dyanmic of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. For the first time, a monastic lineage had been created not through royal patronage of a Buddhist king, but through the collective action of a dedicated group of Buddhist laymen. The Amarapura Nikaya was thus both independent of government and royal power, and more closely tied to its patrons in the growing middle class. This presaged both the growing power of the middle class in Sri Lanka during the 19th and 18th Centuries, and the rise of so-called [[Protestant Buddhism]] among the Sinhalese middle class- a modernized form of Buddhism in which increasing power and authority were vested in the laity, rather than monastic authorities.

==Status today==
Ironically, the Amarapura Nikaya is said to have split along caste lines, with more than twenty divisions today.

==See also==
* [[Siam Nikaya]]
* [[Ramanna Nikaya]]
* [[Sri Lankan Buddhism]]

==References==
* Gombrich, Richard. ''Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benares to Modern Colombo''. Oxon, England: Routledge and Kegan Paul, Ltd., 2004.
* [http://www.dailynews.lk/2003/09/17/fea09.html Rohan L. Jayetilleke, 'The bi-centennial of the Amarapura Maha Nikaya of Sri Lanka', ''Daily News'', 17 September 2003] accessed 16 December 2005.

[[Category:Theravada Buddhism]]
[[Category:Religion in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Buddhist orders]]