the natha devala shrine near kandy sri lanka asia

navigate by keyword : year worshiped worship vikramabahu undefined tradition tooth terrace structure shrine royalty royal role relic processions procession pride preparations place perahara palace oldest natha means maitreya located kingdom king kandy important history herbal god generally front extant existence establishment distributing diseases devale devala days day dalada curer complex clear built buddha brought bodhisattva avalokitesvara associated annual

The Natha Devala shrine near Kandy. Sri Lanka, Asia.

The Natha Devala is a shrine located on the terrace, in front of the Royal Palace complex in Kandy. It is said to have been in existence even before the Tooth Relic was brought to Kandy. The oldest extant structure in Kandy, it is said to have been built by King Vikramabahu III in the 14th century. The history of the worship of God Natha is not clear. The name 'Natha' literally means 'no form' and 'no shape', and is therefore generally associated with Maitreya, the next Buddha. n the days of the Kingdom of Kandy, this shrine is said have played an important role in the establishment of the royalty. The king was given his royal name at this shrine. The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, being worshiped as a curer of diseases, the tradition of distributing herbal preparations on New Year day was conducted here until recent times. Hence, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is also associated with the Natha Devale, Kandy. In the annual procession, the Natha Devale procession takes the pride of place among the Devale processions and follows just behind the Dalada Perahara.