Who is the god of Sri Lanka?

As an expert in cultural studies and mythology, I can provide you with an in-depth understanding of the deities and mythological figures associated with Sri Lanka. The island nation of Sri Lanka has a rich history and a diverse cultural heritage that includes influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs. The question of who is considered the "god of Sri Lanka" is complex, as it depends on the context and the particular religious or mythological framework one is considering. Step 1: English Answer In the context of Hindu mythology, the reference to Sri Lanka is indeed found in the Ramayana, one of the great Hindu epics. According to the Ramayana, the island was originally ruled by the Yaksha king Kubera, who is considered the god of wealth and prosperity in Hinduism. Kubera is often depicted as a dwarf riding a man, symbolizing his role as a guardian of treasures. However, the throne of Lanka was later usurped by Kubera's half-brother, Ravana. Ravana is a complex figure in Hindu mythology; he is a king, a scholar, a musician, and a powerful asura (demon). In the Ramayana, he is portrayed as the antagonist who abducts Sita, the wife of Rama, leading to a great war. Ravana is not typically considered a god but rather an antagonistic figure, and his story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris and the abuse of power. It's important to note that while the Ramayana provides a mythological account of Sri Lanka's past, it is a work of literature and not a historical record. The actual religious practices and beliefs of the people of Sri Lanka are shaped by a variety of factors, including the influence of Buddhism, which became the dominant religion after the arrival of the Indian Buddhist missionary Mahinda during the 3rd century BCE. In Buddhist tradition, Sri Lanka is considered a sacred place due to its connection with the life of the Buddha. The island is home to several significant Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, which houses a relic said to be the Buddha's tooth. The Buddhist concept of a "god" is different from that in Hinduism, focusing more on enlightened beings and bodhisattvas rather than deities with divine powers in the traditional sense. In addition to Hindu and Buddhist influences, Sri Lanka also has a strong indigenous spiritual tradition, which includes the worship of nature spirits and ancestral deities. These beliefs have often been syncretized with Hindu and Buddhist practices, creating a unique blend of religious and cultural practices. In conclusion, the question of who is the "god of Sri Lanka" is not easily answered with a single name or figure. The island's religious landscape is diverse, and the concept of a singular god is not universally applicable. Instead, one might consider the various mythological, religious, and cultural figures that have shaped the spiritual and historical narrative of Sri Lanka. **

The first major Hindu reference to Sri Lanka is found in the great Hindu epic, the Ramayana. The Ramayana tells that Sri Lanka was ruled by Yaksha king Kubera. The throne of Lanka was usurped by his half-brother Ravana. Ravana was the main villain in the Ramayana and was killed by Rama the avatar of Vishnu.