Origins and rise of the Monkey God
The versatility of Prof Sunil Ariyaratne knows no bounds. A renowned
film-maker, lyricist and wordsmith, he is an individual who had done a
vast amount of research in almost every area imaginable: from literature
to language and spirituality. The recent addition to his collection is a
Hanuman Namethi Vanduru Deviya (Hanuman, the Monkey God).
 This handy book contains various aspects of on why people began to
worship the worthy companion of prince Rama.
Deity worship is not a new aspect in Sri Lanka. Though it originates
from the Hindu culture, the feature had now taken root among Buddhist
pilgrims as well. Many devalas have been built near Buddhist temples and
devotees visit these premises each day to evoke the blessings of the
gods for deeds that are of utmost importance to them.
Vishnu, Shiva, Katharagama, Natha, Saman, Patthini and Kali are the
key gods that make up the pantheon. Some of them are even affiliated to
the Esala perehera as another parade known as the devala peraheras
follow after the Dalada perehara. However the aspect of worshipping a
monkey god is alien to most locals.
Hanuman Namethi Vanduru Deviya reveals that this is not such an
extraordinary feature for it is one which had been practiced for years
though it had not caught on like a house on fire among the public.
Another significant aspect of the book is that this is the first book
to be published about Hanuman worship worded in Sinhala. It comes in
four chapters, a reference guide and a resume. It explains the matter in
terms of gods, humans and animals, monkey tales and the monkey in
Buddhist literature, Hanuman’s biography and how he came to be
worshiped. It traces Hanuman’s deeds in the Ramayana and sheds light on
little known facts about the monkey’s role in liberating Sita and his
contribution to Rama’s victory over Ravana. This devoted comrade’s
bravery was noted and his praises had not only been sun among people
today but it had taken him as far as to be acknowledged as a god.
Ariyaratne points out that this is an extraordinary aspect indeed
because billions of people including Buddhists have taken to worshipping
this monkey god. The Buddha himself had been born in a number of animal
forms in his previous births.
He had been born as a monkey in Nalapatha Jathaka. He explores the
questions of Hanuman’s origin, how he attained godly status and why so
many people began worshipping him.
His research is not limited to the local context alone. He had also
examined the subject in the Hindu context and visited countries like
India in his research.
- Ruwini Jayawardana
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