Source: tamilweek.com

TAMIL NADU, INDIA, October 11, 2009: The Evolution of an Ethnic Identity, Revised Second Edition, by K. Indrapala, is reviewed by K.S. Sivakumaran in this article. Mr. Sivakumaran’s purpose is to highlight and retell, for the benefit of readers who may not be aware of the historical aspects of the Hindu religion, the author’s description of Hinduism to the early Sri Lanka population, 360 BCE to 1200 CE. Some highlights are:

* The worship of Siva was prevalent in Sri Lanka from even before the mission of Mahinda in the 3rd century BCE. (P 226)

* Saivism clearly was one of the two main elements in the evolution of the Sri Lankan Tamils, the other being the Tamil language. (P 225)

* Soon after the invasion of the Chola emperor Rajaraja towards the end of the 10th century, a Siva temple at Padaviya was named as Ravikulamanikka Iswaram, after the emperor (P 228). The ruins of this temple are still there at Padaviya. The ruins of more Saiva temples have also been found. (P 228)

* Besides the temples of Matota (Maanthottam) and Gokarna (Thirukoanamalai), there were no doubt other Siva temples in the island. (P 231)

* Saivism continued to be practiced in the Sinhalese kingdom. Saiva temples were venerated in many places predominantly settled by Sinhala Buddhists. Two of the most venerated temples dedicated to Siva were the Nagarisa kovil at Devinuvara and Munnisavaram temple at Chilapam (Chilaw). (P 291)

The first edition of Mr. Indrapala’s book was published by Kumaran Book House, Colombo and Chennai. The revised second edition was published two years ago by Vrjitha Yapa Publications, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Posted in Hindu Press International

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