A Study of the Concept of God Upulvan Revealed in the Kokila Sandeshaya

Abstract

Kokila Sandeshaya written in the Kotte era, which is considered by many to be the golden age of Sinhala verse literature, is the longest poem of Sandeshavali. Sinhala Sandeshas are written in the form of a message for deities seeking for their help. As the purpose of sandesha is to obtain the blessings of god, the poets tend to exaggerate the dieties. In the Kokila Sandeshaya God Upulvan has also been praised. The purpose of the Kokila Sandeshaya was to send a message in the hand of a Kokilaya to God Upulvan to stabilise the ruling power of Yapa Patuna to prince Sapumal. It can be recognised that the concept of God Upulvan was popular at that time as the blessings of God Upulvan were sought for Prince Sapumal and the council of ministers and the people. The purpose of the research is to explore the historical information about God Upulvan and how the Kokila Sandeshaya poet has creatively presented the praise of god in order to socialise the concept of God Upulvan. Under the qualitative research methodology, Kokila Sandesha is used as the primary source and as the secondary sources, books, magazines, and newspapers were referred. Kokila Sandesha poet has been concerned with portraying God Upulvan, who is responsible for preserving the world. Kokilaya, who starts his journey from Devinuwara, first entered the temple of Upulvan and got the god's blessing. The Poet who sings the praises of god by using several verses praising the city has tried to glorify god's fame, power, and greatness. It is clear that the concept of God Upulvan was well-known in society at that time. This research confirms that this god concept has been created appropriately for the establishment of society and for presenting social needs through literature.