An Explanation for Frequently used Terminologies used in the Pilgrimage to Sri Pada in Sri Lanka: A Lexical Explanation
- May 28, 2020
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: IJRISS, Language and Literature, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186
Abeyweera, G.H.1, T.M.P.S. I. Tennakoon2, M.Rubavathanan3
1Department of English Language Teaching of Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
2,3Department of Public Administration of Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract:- Sripada also known as Samanala Kanda which is at a height of 7359 feet is the third highest mountain in Sri Lanka where Buddhists believe that the Gauthama Buddha placed his left foot-print on the peak of the mountain on the invitation of God Saman who is considered to be the guardian of the Samanala Kanda (mountain). A large number of devotees including the majority of Buddhists embracing different regions strenuously climb the mountain annually during the Sripada season which is from Duruthu (December) full moon poya day to Vesak (May) full moon poya day the following year. In the language of the laymen, the Sripada pilgrimage starts in December and ends in May in the following year and the rest of the period is considered as off-season which is particularly set aside for celestial beings especially for God Sumana Saman. Most of the devotees in their pilgrimage to Sripada used to use a particular set of terminology peculiar to Sripada pilgrimage. These terminologies are not used any other context in Sri Lanka either in a pilgrimage or any other excursion. Thus, this paper attempts to provide explanations to the most frequently used lexis in the context of Sripada pilgrimage in Sri Lanka.
Keywords: pilgrimage, terminology, Sripada season, devotees, Buddhists
I. INTRODUCTION
Sripada which is also known as Samanala Kanda enriched with biodiversity is virtually surrounded by forest and hills. These massifs which are in the vicinity are not as tall as Sripada. The area covering the Horton Plains national part and the Knuckles range in the central highlands was identified as a world heritage site in Sri Lanka in the year 2011. Environmentally, Sripada is also crucial as a watershed where four main rivers of Sri Lanka, Mahaweli, Kelani, Kalu and Walawe originate from Sripada. In folklore, the following poem shall bear the evidence for originating four rivers in Sri Lanka.
