கிழக்கிலங்கைத் தேசத்துக்கோயில்களும் நிருவாக முறைமையும்: கொக்கட்டிச்சோலைத் தான்தோன்றீச்சரத்தை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்ட சிறப்பாய்வு

Abstract

Thesaththu Kovils of Eastern Sri Lanka are deemed to be unique in the Hindu tradition of Sri Lanka. Thesaththu Kovils and Thirupadai Kovils are different in dimensions of their conceptual nature. Kokkaddicholai Thanthonreeswaram is one of the Thesaththu Kovils which embraced the Virasaiva Hindu worship tradition. All traditional aspects, from worship Patterns to administrative maintenance, of Thesaththu Kovils remains intact throughout the history. Objectives of the study are to comparatively view the myths of Kokkaddichcholai Thanthonreesvaram with its history, to illustrate the administrative system and its social settings and to evaluate the appropriateness of the administrative system of the Kovil in the contemporary social situations. As per the normative Hindu Tradition, Thesaththu Kovils are to be based on Hindu customary practices common for all communities. However, Kokkaddichcholai Thanthonreesvaram is based on particular community customary practices. Research Problem of the study is based on this contradictory nature in the customs of this temple. This study is a descriptive research and entirely based on qualitative method. Ethnographic information collected by using case history are primarily used for the study. The administration of the temple is commonly maintained by the matrilineal basis in Thesaththu Kovils of eastern Sri Lanka. The temple administration of Kokkaddichcholai Thanthonreesvaram is dominated by Mukkuvar caste and the office bearers of the temple administration are called as “Vannakar”. In Mahon’s monarchy, Mukkuvars served as heads of infantry. The Vannakar system has been maintained in the temple administrative system since the Vaaniyar rule in Batticaloa district. The clan system is the important feature in Mukkuvar caste structure. In Kokkaddichcholai Thanthonreesvaram, members form three Mukkuvar clans, namely Ulakipodi clan, Padaiyadchi clan and Kalinga clan, were selected as Vannakars in the temple administration. But, later, other clan members and service community members were selected as Vannakars as to represent their respective communities. The temple administration is comprised of three layers; Kovil administration, Thesha Maha Sabha and Vannakar Group. Vannakar system is organized as the navigating force of the temple administrative hierarchy. It is essential to make reforms in the temple administrative system based the constitution of the temple administration.