Naga people of Sri Lanka

Naga people have lived in Sri Lanka, for as long as Hela (Sri Lankan) history itself. Naga is one of the four founding tribes of Siv Hela (Sinhala). The others are Yakka, Raksa and Deva. They are characterised by their worship of Cobras. They lived mostly along the coast. There were Naga kingdoms, kings and temples. Naga kingdoms have existed in Nagadipa (modern day Jaffna peninsula) and Kelaniya in Lord Gouthama Buddha's time. The Mahavamsa mentions that Lord Buddha used his iddhi or yogic powers to visit Nagadipa by air to resolve a crisis over a jewel throne between the Naga kings (Chulodara and Mahodara) and introduced Buddhism to them. Later Lord Gouthama Buddha visited Kelaniya following the invitation of Naga king Maniakkhika. King Dutugamunu had a legendary relationship with the Naga people. He married a Naga maiden and was killed by the Naga king according to falk tales.There was a temple in Medawattha, Mathara called Naga Kovila which is called Nagavila today. There used to be a statue of Lord Buddha sitting on the Muchalinda the Cobra. And Naga maidens used to perform dances there. (Paravi Sandeshaya verse 128/ Kokila Sandeshaya)But today their very existence is not known by most people.Nagas of Nagadipa used to speak Elu (elu=ela=hela=sinhala).

ee also

*Balangoda People