Devas, Demons and Buddhist Cosmology in Sri Lanka

This book examines the worship of devas and demons in Sri Lanka, illustrating how diverse influences interacted to create the Sinhala Buddhist cosmology. The work explains the processes by which apotheosis plays an important role in revitalizing that cosmology. The author offers an examination of holy sites associated with the worship of Hniyam. These sacred spaces each have a unique background historically, and the ritualists associated with these sites have divergent understandings concerning Hniyam. Building upon the examination of the temples, the book delves into the iconography of Hniyam, illustrating his transformation from demon to deity in the manner that he is depicted in imagery associated with his worship. The book moves to a discussion of Arit Kivenu Peruml, a South Indian adventurer, demonstrating the likelihood that he is the historical figure later apotheosized as Hniyam. Sri Lankan society felt his impact so strongly that in death he became a demon in the Sinhala Buddhist cosmology. Finally, the book demonstrates that the same apotheosis processes are at work today. This book will be of interest to researchers and students engaged in the study of religion, anthropology, folklore, and history, specifically in the South Asian context.