The Valiyak Mangalyaya Shanthikarmaya (Valiyak Festival Rite) is a unique spiritual and cultural remedy prevalent in Sri Lankan folk culture, primarily performed for the deities Vishnu and Kataragama.
The Valiyak Mangalyaya Shanthikarmaya is held without fail for seven nights following the conclusion of the Kandy Esala Perahera. Specifically, it commences on the day after the final Randoli Maha Perahera concludes, after the water-cutting (Diyakapana) ritual in the early morning and the final day Perahera in the afternoon. This Shanthikarmaya, which is performed at the Vishnu Devalaya, is known by several names, including Valiyak Thōthraya, Hathda Valiyakkuma, Valiyak Næṭīma, and Valiyak Mangalyaya.
The dancers and drummers who participate in the main Dalada Perahera do not take part in the Valiyakuṇa. Instead, only artistes from two specific lineages , said to have existed since the time of the Sinhala kings, participate. The performers who take part in the Valiyakkuma Næṭīma must observe a vow of Pē Vīma (abstinence) for seven days, avoiding meat, fish, and defilements (kilī).
The Valiyakkuma is performed to achieve several objectives. The main objective is to remove any ill effects (apala upadrava) that may have occurred due to the Perahera, providing protection for everyone involved. This includes the high-ranking officials (nilamēvarun) who spearheaded the organization of the Esala Perahera, the entire staff associated with the Dalada Maligawa, all attending spectators, and the artistes, performers , elephants, and tusker who contributed to the procession. By offering seven days of rites to the main deities, they seek to dispel all adverse influences caused by these contributions.
The secondary objectives include removing the imbalances and ailments resulting from the agitation of people's emotions and psychological distress, as well as dispelling external influences like graha dōsha (planetary defects) and dishṭi dōsha (evil eye) to bring about prosperity .
Regarding the current state of the Valiyak Mangalyaya historically, after the Perahera concluded, the Diyawadana Nilame would inform the Great King that the Perahera was successfully completed. From that day onward, the king would attend the Valiyakkuma held at the Maha Vishnu Devalaya for seven days.
The decorations and ritual components of the Shanthikarmaya are highly important. The principal decorative offering for the deities is a large flower altar (Vishāla Mal Yahanāva). Additionally, Pūjā Vaṭṭi (offering baskets) and offerings like kiri bath (milk rice), fruits , and flowers must be prepared for the Ālaththi Ammāvaru (ritual ladies).
The dance and singing components play a significant role. The central theme of the Valiyaka Mangalyaya is the story of Kataragama Deviyan marrying Valli Devi . The Gāyana Anga include reciting kavi (poems) and varnanā (praises) extolling the virtues of Kataragama Deviyan. This dramatic presentation aims to divert the patient's fear and agitation, promoting mental revitalization and solace. Furthermore, the dance movements are believed to depict the līlāvan (divine play) of the deities, imparting a healing influence on the patient's thoughts and physical activities.
When examining the current nature of this Shanthikarmaya, it appears that its scale and duration have been reduced compared to the past. The Shanthikarmaya, which once spanned several days, is now shortened, likely due to a scarcity of skilled practitioners and resources. Nevertheless, the Valiyak Mangalyaya continues to be a potent tool for promoting Sri Lankan identity and providing mental and spiritual healing . Its true value lies in its ability to address and remove agitation of the mind with a foundation in folk psychology.
📝Written by Pasindu Amantha
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