DALADA WANDANA GATHA. දළදා වන්දනා ගාථා. Majestic tuskers of Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The Asian elephant is considered an auspicious animal and signifies good fortune. They were used as one of the four-fold armies (chariots, elephants, cavalry and infantry) throughout history. The association of elephants with Buddhism dates back to the beginning of Buddhism. Elephants are associated with the stories of the life of Buddha such as the conception of Prince Siddhartha and featured in a number of Jataka tales. The taming of elephants in Asia dates back centuries.
Elephants used for religious purposes during the early periods were mostly State elephants belonging to the king and in some cases, the royal or Mangala elephant. However, a number of elephants were used in religious festivals later and that perhaps required more elephants from other sources. The first recorded donation of an elephant to a temple took place in the early First Century CE. This could be a continuation of a former tradition. The offering of elephants to temples is recorded in historical sources since the 14th Century CE. A number of elephants and a variety of dancers are often used as a measure of the excellence and quality of the procession. The Sacred Tooth Relic was guarded with veneration by Sri Lankan kings.
Elephants were often used to represent the Buddha and as a symbol of religion during King Ashoka’s time (272-232 BCE) in India. The association of elephants with Buddhism has been depicted in art and architecture since ancient times, in India and Sri Lanka. The origin of the use of elephants in Buddhist processions and festivals in Sri Lanka dates back to the period of the introduction of Buddhism to the country by Ven. Arahat Mahinda Thera, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. There is an oral tradition that the use of elephants in processions commenced during the 18th century CE, when the Dalada Perahera, conducted in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, was connected with Esala Perahera, the annual procession held in Kandy. Elephants were also used for the festival of enshrining of the relics in the Relic Chamber of Mahathupa (Ruwanveli Seya) of Anuradhapura during the reign of King Dutugemunu (167-137 BCE).
The Dalada Sirita, compiled during the time of King Parakramabahu IV, is a manual of 38 statues regarding the Perahera of the Tooth Relic. Among the rules is a description of the procedure to be followed at a procession held during public displays of the Tooth Relic. The relic was enshrined in a bejewelled casket and taken out and placed on a decorated chariot, pulled by a tusked elephant with auspicious marks yoked to it.
We visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa on a Monday morning. Devotees were engaged in worship. We met up with Pradeep Miyanapalawa, who is attached to the administrative wing of the Perahera office. His grandfather and father were respected native physicians who treated elephants decades ago. Pradeep outlined the role and task of the “ath panthiya”. He said, “At present, we have nine tuskers and three bull elephants. The chief tusker who represents this Sacred Temple is Indi Raja who is 45-years-old. The tuskers are Sinha Raja, Thai Raja, Jana Raja, Migara, Kaveri Raja, Myan Raja, Buruma Raja and Pulasthi Raja. The other elephants are Kandula, Nalaka and Kadhira. Our chief tusker Indi Raja was donated to the Dalada Maligawa in 1989 aged seven years. He was assigned for Perahera duty when he reached 18 years of age”. Indi Raja was donated by the late Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
All Sri Lankans are aware of the legendary tusker Raja, who during his lifetime served this temple carrying the Sacred karanduwa (Relics Casket)(1937-1987). After his demise, Nadungamuwe Raja rose to prominence continuing this tradition, until his recent demise. As the resident chief tusker of the Dalada Maligawa, Indi Raja has carried the karanduwa on many occasions. Carrying the Sacred karanduwa has also been bestowed on the Heyanthotuwa tusker, Wewaladeniya Raja and Bellanwila Raja on some occasions.
Completing this parade is the Diyawadene Nilame (the Chief Administrator of the Dalada Maligawa) who walks with dignified pomp amidst drummers and dancers. The incumbent Diyawadene Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela has faithfully presided over all tasks of the Dalada Maligawa and the Esala Perahera. He has taken the initiative to enhance the quality of the tuskers’ costumes, by using the traditional motifs affiliated with Buddhist art. Before the 10-day Esala Perahera, all the tuskers and elephants are inspected for good health. Accommodation and meals have to be provided for the participating tuskers and mahouts.

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