The Revival of Saivism in Batticaloa during the Period of British Rule

பிரித்தானியராட்சிக் கால மட்டக்களப்பிற் சைவ மறுமலர்ச்சி

Abstract

Batticaloa is one of the areas where Hindu culture is established in Sri Lanka. Traditional Saivism in Batticaloa saw various changes and developments during the British rule. On the one hand, the revival in traditional Hinduism took place at the village level. On the other hand, an educated middle class emerged as a result of upper country education and other national connections. Agama worship gradually began to develop. During this period, the educated youths and scholars jointly created Saiva schools in every village of Batticaloa. Religious institutions took many forms and worked for the Saiva revival. Many scholars and religious sages appeared and gave Saivaism sermons and discourses and also wrote and published many books. Saiva Temples took many forms and renovations also took place. This study reveals that such activities are the basis for the Saiva revival in Batticaloa.