Getabaruwa Esala Perahara 2018

The annual Esala Perahera of Getabaru Maha Devale is arguably the second biggest procession in the enitirety of Matara District, next to the Kataragama Perahara. This year, this widely acknowledged procession will take place from 20th to 26th September at the Getabaru Rajamaha Vihara temple in Deniyaya.

Gatabaru Raja Maha Viharaya is on a mountain top on the Akuressa – Deniyaya Road (A17) between Morawaka and Deniyaya. Until recently this temple has been rather neglected due to the rough terrain of the location. However, a well constructed road has been installed from the bottom of the mountain to the temple for easy access although the climb is strenuous even for a vehicle. As you walk down the park you will reach the cave image house (temple) and “devale”. To reach the stupa, you have to proceed even further. On the route to the Cave Temple is a golden casket made to the shape of a stupa displayed in a glass room.

One day in 1834 a person by the name of Eliyashami; who lived in Kotapola, climbed the Gatabaru hill and started chasing a deer. The deer ran and hid inside a cave followed by the hunter. Once Eliyashami, peeked inside the cave looking for the deer, what he saw amazed him. In front of him was the “18 riyan” (approx. 9 yards) long lying-statue of the Lord Buddha. Eliyashami gave up the hunt and returned immediately to the village to inform others. A person named Morawaka Katagoda acting on this information, led the villagers in clearing up the surrounding jungle and renovated the cave temple. According to evidence, this majestic statue was not the only ancient artistic creation at this cave. It had once housed many other venerated statues and murals that reveal a connection to the Anuradhapura era. However, only one set of murals showing a beautiful patch of lotuses have survived the forces of nature until this day.

This temple has gained its popularity as a place of worship for God Getabaru (“Getabaru Deiyo”) where people come to pray, bring an offering (“puja”) or make vows (“bara”). In addition, God Gatabaru is famous for placing curses on enemies for vengeance purposes; a trait that both intimidates followers and garners their respect. There are myths to support the idea that God Getabaru is a representation of the dark side of God Kataragama.

Forklore holds it that due to the karmic effect of the good deeds of the Buddhists, God Kataragama rose greatly in the hierarchy of the gods, and in turn God Getabaru had to leave Kataragama. The isolated place he withdrew is the mountain top interior to Morawaka, close to the Akurassa – Deniyaya road. There, in isolation, and far from the official Buddhist world he exercises his despised yet well appreciated powers.