Pattini

Guardian deity of Sri Lanka

Pattini (, ,), is considered a guardian deity of Sri Lanka in Sri Lankan Buddhism and Sinhalese folklore. She is also worshipped by Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus by the name of Kannaki Amman. She is considered the patron goddess of fertility and health, particularly protection against smallpox, which is referred to as deviyange ledé ('the divine affliction') in the Sinhala language.

Goddess Pattini is the deification of Kannagi, who is the central character of the Tamil epic Silapadhikaram of Ilango Adigal, written in India after the 2nd Century CE. After a short time, it was introduced into Sri Lanka and absorbed earlier deities such as Kiri Amma ('milk mother'). Historians attribute the introduction of goddess Pattini to the island to Gajabahu I, a Sinhalese king who ruled Sri Lanka from 113 135 CE. As per some historians, the Silapathikaram mentions Gajabahu's presence at the consecration of a temple to Kannagi (identified as Pattini in this case) by the Chera king Senguttuvan.

Sinhalese people believe that diseases like chickenpox and measles are punishments by God for frailty. In such events as the goddess of healing, they pray to Pattini Devi. When a family member is infected, they hold Dānas (alms givings) for her, called Kiri ammāwarungè dānaya (Nursing mothers' alms giving).

Devalaya/TempleImage LocationDistrictProvinceDescription RefsHalpe Pattini DevalayaHalpeBadullaUva ProvinceArchaeological protected monumentKabulumulla Pattini Devalaya One of the four major Pattini temples which the great 'Pattini Salamba' exists. This devale was built by King Rajasinghe I in 1582. Lindamulla Pattini DevalayaLindamullaBadullaUva ProvinceArchaeological protected monumentMaduwa Pattini Devalaya The festival of the Pattini Devale is held annually during July–August season. Mahanuwara Pattini Devalaya KandyKandyCentralPattini Devale is located to the west of Natha Devale close to Sri Dalada Maligawa premises. Nawagamuwa Pattini DevalayaNawagamuwa Colombo WesternAs the legend unfolds King Gajabahu I of Anuradhapura (A. D. 114 136) came from India with 12,000 men as prisoners, bringing with him a Pattini anklet, he landed at a place close to devalaya. Devalaya was built to enshrine the anklet. Madulla Paththini DevalayaMadullaNuwara EliyaCentralAncient Devala, Built by King Rajasinghe II