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Deity’s chariot worthy of preservation, guardians say
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The 300-year-old artefact
Lord Murugan’s spear, the ‘Vel’ along with an ornate chariot decorated with lights and garlands, take the spotlight at several Hindu temple festivals this month. One item in Galle, the hand-crafted vehicle made for the deity and his consorts, is believed to be one-of-kind.
Its guardians want authorities to help preserve the chariot that is said to be three centuries old.
Vel festivals are being held at Kaluwella Sri Kadir Velayudham Swamy Kovil, Galle presided over by the deity the Buddhists know as Kataragama Deviyo, or Lord Murugan; the Manika Pullayar Kovil in Unawatuna presided over by Ganadevi, and the Sri Sundareswarar Kovil headed by Ishwara.
Mr Manikkam
In these festivals, devotees who gather from various regions of the island, haul a silvery chariot.
One 300-year chariot is a prized possession of the Manika Pillayar Kovil in Unawatuna and is believed to be the largest in Asia.
The chairman of the board of trustees of the Sri Kadirvelayudam Swamy Kovil, Kaluwella, Galle, Mr Manikkam, said: “The chariot was made by artisans from South India, made of sandalwood imported from India. The white bulls are from Jaffna.’’ He called on the Department of Archeology to help preserve the chariot which has not been used for about 50 years.
The Ven K P R Madhusanka of the Manika Pillayar Kovil also said the chariot must be preserved for posterity.
Pix and text by Gamini Mahadura