Hinduism in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Hindus
Hindu temple festival in Colombo in 1900s.
Total population
2,561,299 (2012)[1]
12.6% of its total population
Religions
Hinduism
Shaivism (majority)
Vaishnavism and Shaktism (minority)
Scriptures
Ramayana and Vedas
Languages
Old Tamil and Sanskrit (sacred)
Tamil (majority) and Sinhala (minority)

Buddhism holds a dominant position in Sri Lanka, with a rich historical heritage spanning over 2500 years. It is characterized by a rational approach to spiritual practice, emphasizing deep contemplation and mindfulness. Practitioners of Buddhism strive to cultivate kindness and benevolence towards all beings, contributing to a harmonious existence within the universe.

In contrast, Hinduism, along with other religions such as Islam and Christianity, arrived in Sri Lanka later stages through Indian and European colonial influences. Historical records indicate Hinduism was introduced by Indian invaders who sought to assert control over the Sinhalese throne. Despite this historical context, modern Sri Lanka embraces religious diversity, treating adherents of Hinduism, Islam, and Catholic, Christianity with equality and respect. The nation prides itself on fostering an environment where all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, coexist peacefully and harmoniously. As per the Buddhist principles teaching is Buddha was more intellectual and rational than believes, and over 75% of Sinhalese majority are following it. There are temples dating back over 2,000 years.[2] As of 2011, Hindus made up 12.6% of the Sri Lankan population.[3] They are almost exclusively Tamils, except for small immigrant communities from India and Pakistan (including the Sindhis, Telugus and Malayalis).

According to the 1915 census, Hindus made up about 25% of the Sri Lankan population (including indentured labourers brought by the British).[4] Hinduism predominates in the Northern and Eastern Provinces (where Tamils remain the largest demographic), the central regions and Colombo, the capital. According to the 2011 census, there are 2,554,606 Hindus in Sri Lanka (12.6% of the country's population). During the Sri Lankan Civil War, many Tamils emigrated; Hindu temples, built by the Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora, maintain their religion, tradition, and culture.[5][6]

Most Sri Lankan Hindus follow the Shaiva Siddhanta school of Shaivism, and some follow Shaktism. Sri Lanka is home to the five abodes of Shiva: Pancha Ishwarams, holy places believed to have been built by King Ravana. Murugan is one of the country's most popular Hindu deities, venerated by Hindu Tamils. The Buddhist Sinhalese and Aboriginal Veddas venerate the local rendition of the deity, Katharagama deviyo.[7][8]

The Sinhala Buddhist community of Sri Lanka constitutes the predominant ethnic group, deeply rooted in the teachings and practices of Buddhism. Their cultural fabric is intricately woven with the tenets and traditions of this faith, profoundly influencing various facets of their societal structure, customs, and daily lives.

With origins tracing back to ancient times, Sinhala Buddhists boast a heritage replete with the establishment of formidable kingdoms like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, where Buddhism thrived as the state religion. This historical backdrop has left an enduring imprint on the Sinhala Buddhist ethos, shaping their language, artistic expressions, architectural marvels, and societal mores.

At the core of the Sinhala Buddhist worldview lies a profound belief in the concepts of karma, rebirth, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Guided by the Noble Eightfold Path elucidated by Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, they aspire towards principles encompassing right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Sacred sites hold a pivotal position in Sinhala Buddhist culture, serving as sanctuaries for pilgrimage, meditation, and communal worship. Notable among these are revered locations such as the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, each resonating with spiritual significance and historical reverence.

In addition to their religious observances, Sinhala Buddhists commemorate a plethora of cultural festivals and rituals throughout the year, each laden with symbolic import and deep-seated meaning. Celebrations such as Vesak, which commemorates the triad of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, and Poson, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka, are observed with profound solemnity and jubilation.

Despite confronting historical adversities and contemporary challenges, the Sinhala Buddhist populace has exhibited resilience in preserving their faith, heritage, and cultural identity across generations. Today, they remain integral to shaping the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka, contributing to its unique multicultural tapestry.

Yogaswami of Jaffna is a significant modern Hindu religious figure in Sri Lankan history. A 20th-century mystic, he was the Satguru and counselling sage of the country's Tamil Hindu population. The Ramakrishna Mission is active in the Amparai and Batticaloa districts, and the Shaiva Siddhanta school is prevalent in the north.[9] Yogaswami was the 161st head of the Nandinatha Sampradaya, and was succeeded by Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.[10]

  1. ^ "Population by religion and district, Census 1981, 2001, 2012" (PDF). Department of Census and Statistics of Sri Lanka. Retrieved 20 February 2016.
  2. ^ "Buddhism in Sri Lanka: A Short History". www.accesstoinsight.org. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  3. ^ "Census of Population and Housing, 2011". Sri Lanka: Department of Census and Statistics. Retrieved 29 August 2020.
  4. ^ "During Mahinda Rajapaksa's India visit, New Delhi likely to raise Sri Lankan Hindu Tamil's issues". The Indian Express. 7 February 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  5. ^ Bradley, Mark (2018). "Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus and other Tamis in the Montréal diaspora". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ^ "Success story of a 'victim diaspora'". The Hindu. 28 December 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 May 2021.
  7. ^ Goonasekera, Sunil (2007). Walking to Kataragama. International Centre for Ethnic Studies. p. 520. ISBN 978-955-580-110-2.
  8. ^ Obeyesekere, Gananath (1977). "Social Change and the Deities: Rise of the Kataragama Cult in Modern Sri Lanka". Man. 12 (3/4): 377–396. doi:10.2307/2800544. ISSN 0025-1496. JSTOR 2800544.
  9. ^ Lion of Lanka. Himalayan Academy. p. 816.
  10. ^ "Shivaya Subramaniam". Himalayan Academy.

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