Question 1

What is the Natha Devalaya in Kandy?

Accepted Answer

The Natha Devalaya is a medieval Hindu-Buddhist shrine located in the sacred precinct of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to the deity Natha, associated in Sinhalese tradition with the Bodhisattva Maitreya, the future Buddha. It is considered the oldest surviving devalaya in the country, dating to around the 14th century.

Question 2

How old is the Natha Devalaya?

Accepted Answer

Most architectural historians date the Natha Devalaya to the Gampola period, roughly the 14th century CE, making it over 600 years old. This predates the construction of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in its current Kandyan form, placing the Natha Devalaya among the earliest surviving religious structures in the Hill Capital.

Question 3

Is the Natha Devalaya Buddhist or Hindu?

Accepted Answer

The Natha Devalaya reflects the syncretic religious tradition of medieval Sri Lanka, blending Buddhist and Hindu elements. The presiding deity, Natha, is associated with the Buddhist Bodhisattva Maitreya, while the shrine itself follows a devalaya format more commonly associated with Hindu worship. A small stupa within the compound reinforces the Buddhist dimension of the site.

Question 4

Can tourists visit the Natha Devalaya?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the shrine is open to visitors. As it is an active place of worship, visitors should remove footwear, dress modestly, and behave respectfully. Photography restrictions may apply inside the inner sanctum. The devalaya is conveniently located next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, making it easy to combine with a wider tour of the Kandy sacred precinct.

Question 5

What is the Natha Devalaya's role in the Esala Perahera?

Accepted Answer

The Natha Devalaya participates formally in the Esala Perahera, Kandy's great annual procession held in July or August. Each of the four devalayas in the precinct has its own perahera, which eventually merges with the main Temple of the Tooth procession. The Natha Devalaya's procession is one of the longest-established elements of this centuries-old ceremony.

Question 6

What architectural style is the Natha Devalaya built in?

Accepted Answer

The shrine combines South Indian Dravidian influences with Kandyan craftsmanship, featuring a tiered roof reminiscent of a small gopuram, ornate stucco mouldings, and carved stone door frames. The two-storeyed structure is relatively rare among Sri Lankan devalayas and reflects the cross-cultural artistic exchanges that characterised the Gampola and Kandyan periods.

Question 7

Is there an entrance fee to visit the Natha Devalaya?

Accepted Answer

The Natha Devalaya itself typically does not charge a separate entrance fee for worship or general visit, though policies can vary and a donation is customary. The adjacent Temple of the Tooth Relic does charge a standard entry fee for foreign visitors. It is advisable to check current arrangements locally before your visit.

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