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| Wednesday, 6 August 2003 |
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The people in Madampe will pay their annual tribute to Prince Taniya Vallabha on Saturday August 9 from 3.00 a.m. to sunset at the Tanivelle Devale - the only shrine dedicated to the Prince in the country. Prince Taniya Vallabha is the son and Viceroy of King Vira Prakrama Bahu VIII who ruled the country from Kotte - Sri Jayawardhanepura. He appointed Taniya Vallabha as his Viceroy to administer Madampe, the largest province at the time. The greater Madampe covered a substantial area in the North-Western province which needed a fearless patriotic and capable and a trustworthy ruler as well. Prince Taniya Vallabha started in utter earnest, first provided the needs of his people. He gave fullest assistance to develop agriculture and provided sufficient water and encourages cottage industries so that none could idle in their villages. He rode on his white horse every morning covering a sufficient distance daily, meeting people. Prince Taniya Vallabha on his white horse was a pleasant sight in the morning which endeared him to the people immensely. The figure of the galloping white horse erected in front of the devale given credence to the historic event. So much so, even in his lifetime the Prince was recognised as a demi-god and after his demise, the grateful people of Madampe deified him and paid Puja dedicating one full day. This year for the people of Madampe, August 9th is the day of their festival. The ceremony begins at 3.00 a.m. in the early hours of the morning with the Nanu Mura Mangalyaya - the bathing of Prince Taniya's arms and the armoury with fragrant water. The Nanu Mura will be followed with the offering of Muruttettuva - the Morning Puja. All devotees participating will be provided vegetarian food throughout the day. The Tanivelle Devale is managed and maintained by a Trust, estimates four thousand devotees to attend this year's festival since, people are free to travel in the night to attend the Nanu Mura Mangalyaya. All devotees spend the day in the devale premises till the evening puja as a tribute to the regions popular ruler. |
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