Saiva shrines subjected to Sinhala Buddhisization in Ampaa'rai
[TamilNet, Monday, 20 July 2015, 23:09 GMT]A shrine of Saiva-Vedda tradition, located 12 km southwest of Paa'nama in Lahugala division of Ampaa'rai district at the hilltop of Channiyaasi-malai, has been subjected to Sinhalicisation and Buddhisization after the area has been seized by Colombo's military from the Tigers eight years ago. Tamil devotees from Ampaa'rai who retured home after a pilgrimage on foot from Thirukkoayil to Kathirkaamam Murukan temple, which is situated in Moneragala district, told TamilNet that the occupying Sinhalese have relocated the ‘divine javelin’ (veal) and built a Buddhist temple at the hilltop in Channiyaasi-malai, which is situated between Paa'nama and Ukanthai.
Re-located Veal at Channiyaasi-malai. Lord Murukan is worshipped in the form of Veal by Tamil devotees.
‘Foremost place’ to Buddha demonstrated at Channiyaasi-malai: Buddhist temple put up after re-locating the ancient Veal at the hilltop
Paa’nama was a Tamil village a few decades ago, where the Tamils identity has become insignificant today.
The Ukanthai Murukan temple of the Saiva-Vedda tradition used to be a camp and shelter for the thousands of Tamil pilgrims who annually go to Kathirkaamam by foot.
