A study on the folklore embedded in the historical Buddhist temples of Binthenna

Abstract

Binthennais located in the eastern incline of the central mountains of Sri Lanka. Presently it extends towards Wewgampattuwa. Ancestors used the term “Mahawedirata” to refer to Binthenna. The area has been of interest because of the habitation of veddas(trappers). The origins of the term Binthenna has been interpreted in several ways. It is described by some on the basis of folklore while others believe that it refers to the bare land of the region. On the basis of the following opinions Binthenna has a number of interpretations. Mahiyangana, Ridimaliyedda, Padiyathalawa, Mahaoya are the Divisional Secretariats where the field studies of the research were carried out. The above areas have 42 historically significant Buddhist temples. All of them belong to either Badulla or Ampara districts of Uva or Eastern provinces, with 14 in Mahiyangana, eight in Ridimaliyedda, four in Padiyathalawa and 15 in Mahaoya. The research seeks information on areas such as agriculture, food practices, household equipment, family, customs, folk music, Ayurvedic medicine, beliefs, folklore, different methods of“kem”, irrigation. The researcher aims to enhance knowledge on the culture, economy, society, and the political background of ancient Ceylon through this study.