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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
Abhata Devi (Nayaka Devi, Pallebädde Devi). One Abhûta-deviyangê kavi tells that Abhûta was a prince, who came by way of Makkama (Mecca) from Malvara-desa toValabaku-nuvara. King Gaja-bâhu received him kindly, and gave him charge of the portals of the palace, but as he conspired against the king, the latter put him to death on the shore at Gampihila. His spirit was made the guardian of four hidden treasures. He possessed travellers by the Bô-tree, killed their wives and children, and daily caused murders He appears carrying a child on each hip and with a trident in his hand. He haunts the banks of streams, whence he is called Oya-devi, "Stream-god", and he loves the sound of horns, flutes, and trumpets. With his bow he visits Dunagama and the fort on the top of Hunnasgiri. He takes the Bangle (halamba), and tramples under foot the smallpox. To propitiate him musk and camphor are offered, and a tree decorated with flowers, at the boundary of Dehinda near Kandy. Another A.-devi-kavi gives a similar story. The king is here Valâ-bâhu, the place where A. landed Mannarama; he was decapitated at the "village, spout" (gam-pisilla) while bathing. He takes the form of an elephant, and haunts a kumbuk tree (Terminalia alata). He came with a princess, who apparently became a Yakini with him; they possess Panagama, Dumbara, and Bógambara. He has a tiled temple at Bôgambara. He haunts the Nine Hills, and received a golden bangle from Pattini. For his worship a canopy and curtain are put up, and offerings placed on a couch, which is sprinkled with saffron-water. Gana-pati, Mihi-kat, Isuru, Säkra, and Vişnu permitted him to receive offerings. A. is invoked in Devatâr-kavi as curing hoof-diseases in cattle. See also Pallebäddê Devi.
Abhuta Kadavara. A spirit invoked in Andi-kaḍavara-tovil, K.-vidiya, K.-upata, Tolakumara-santiya; exorcised from women's knees in K.-tovil,
Abhuta Yakas. 500 Abhûta Yakas are said to have been present at the ceremony for the healing of Panduvas. [Kadavara-vidiya.]
Abiman. See Abhimana Yaka.
Abina-sa ntiya. A ritual said to have been performed by Oddisa to heal Maha-sammata of his enchantment, Säkra is said to have then blown his conch and uttered this blessing; similar blasts were blown by the Sun, the Ṛsis, the Nâga king, Brahma, Hanuman, Pattini, the Planets, Isvara, and Visņu. The rest of the rite is similar to that described in Mahasammata-sântiya (see Maha-sammata).
Adaya Raja. A god, invoked in Kovila-pêvima.
Aditya Devi. Mother of Senasuru.
Agni. The Fire-god of Hindu myth. Invoked in Amara-santiya.
Agra-jalapati. A spirit invoked in Salu-salima to heal boils, dropsy, sores, and bile; see Pattini and Jalapati.
Aha-sthana. A demon, on whose cult see Perahära.
Ajasatta. See Ratikan.
Äl. See Rice.
Äla Kiri Amma. See Kiri Amma.
Alepa. A god, chief of the Planets; see Vas.
Aliyama Bandara. A follower of Pitiya Devi, q. v.
Aliyama Kadavara, "The Dawn Spirit," a demon, invoked in Kadavara-kavi, K.golu-pidavila, Tota-kumâra-sântiya. See also Dala Raja.
