වව්නියාවේ මාමඩුව ග්‍රාමයෙහි අභිචාර විධියක් ලෙස පැවැත්වෙන මන්දගම්පඩි මංගල්‍යය - මානවවංශ විද්‍යාත්මක අධ්‍යයනයක්

Abstract

The concept of deities holds significant importance among the rituals associated with human life. In the Vanni region, the influence of Tamil culture is particularly evident in the prevailing deity concepts. The integration and preservation of these deity beliefs within the environmental context are the essence of human life. Some worship concepts can be seen across vast geographical areas, while others exist solely in specific localities. The worship concept known as Mandagampadi is a ritual that is uniquely observed in the Mamaduwa area. The rituals associated with the veneration of deities such as Kataragama, Pulleyaar, and Kadavara illuminate the local population's thought patterns and life evaluations, thereby necessitating an anthropological analysis of these worship practices. This research utilizes a comprehensive approach drawing on both primary and secondary sources, which were systematically collected through extensive library use. Methodologically, participant observation and interviews with members of the local community were integral to data collection. A qualitative research approach was utilized, specifically employing human species data analysis techniques. The findings suggest that rituals aimed at seeking divine intervention for pandemic diseases, as well as for physical and mental disorders affecting individuals and diseases occurring in cattle during agricultural practices, play a crucial role in shaping the community’s expectations.