The question of what religion is adhered to in a particular country periodically arises in connection with the development of tourism. After all, few people want to go on a trip without imagining what religion dominates in the place of future rest. Sri Lanka, for example, what will a tourist require? Is it possible to take short shorts, bikinis and tight sleeveless T-shirts to this country or is it better to limit oneself to capri pants, thin shirts, sundresses and a classic closed swimsuit?
What country is it? Where is she located?
The geographical position largely determines not only the features of the historical development of the state, but also what religion is rooted in it. Sri Lanka is a small island located off the southeast coast of Hindustan. The state, which is located on it, is officially called so - the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. However, few people use this name. Even the indigenous people of the island simply call their country Sri Lanka.
However, this name is new. Until 1972, the country was called differently - Ceylon, and the name Sri Lanka belonged only to the island. This word comes from Sanskrit and in translation means "blessed, glorious land."
But Ceylon and Sri Lanka are not the only historical names. Arabs, Indians, ancient Greeks called this land in their own way. The name Ceylon appeared after the Portuguese captured the island in 1505. The British, who later conquered this country and made it their colony, left the name.
How many capitals in Sri Lanka?
This question is interesting to everyone coming to the island, no less than what religion in Sri Lanka. The older generation confidently declares that the main city of the island is Colombo. And it is there that you should look for museums, entertainment and shops. But on the cards a completely different name is indicated.
The situation with the capitals in this island state is similar to the Russian one. In other words, there is one official and two factual ones. In Russia it is Moscow and St. Petersburg, and in Sri Lanka - Kotta and Colombo.
Kotte is the official capital of the state since 1982. The full name of this city sounds very pompous - Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. However, even the locals simply call him Kotte.
Colombo is the old colonial capital. Despite the loss of official status, in fact, this city is the most important in the country. Here are the residence of the president and the house of government. And of course, it is in this city that everything that can be interesting to tourists is concentrated.
What is the religion on the island?
The subequatorial climate, the abundance of beaches, mountains and the unusually rich world of fauna and flora - all this implies a wonderful outdoor activity and relaxation by the sea. However, how should one look? For example, you should not take bikini to the Arab countries, this is fraught with the possibility of unpleasant moments.
The culture of the islanders has evolved over the centuries under the influence of both Europe and Asia, India and the Middle East. Therefore, there are no strict religious rules and it is unlikely that even the most ill-conceived wardrobe of a tourist will offend anyone.
There are four mainstream religions on the island with absolutely equal rights:
- Buddhism;
- Hinduism;
- Islam;
- Christianity.
Of course, few people planning a beach relaxation or an active vacation on a tropical island will want to be where Islamic culture dominates. Many tourists are convinced that this religion imposes certain restrictions on the appearance, behavior and manner of entertainment. Without a doubt, it’s unlikely to be walking in mini-shorts and a bikini bra in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. However, Islam is not the most common religion on the island. Sri Lanka is a place whose population for centuries consisted of visitors. Islam appeared here along with the Sri Lankan Moors and Arabs. And these days, this religion is mainly held by their descendants. In other words, Islamic culture is not dominant, it is only part of the island’s general, completely unique traditions, consisting of the customs inherent in all four religions.
How are religions distributed on the island?
The population of the cities of Sri Lanka and their religion, of course, are subject to statistical accounting. The last complete census was conducted in the country in 2001. However, given the fact that the life rhythm on the island is very slow, slow, and any changes or social upheavals were last observed here many centuries ago, during the war between the British and Dutch, the statistics are unlikely to have lost their relevance.
The percentage of religions in the country is as follows:
- 76.7% are Buddhists (Theravada);
- 8.5% are Muslims;
- 7.8% are Hindus;
- 6.1% are Christians (Catholics).
The rest of the population is represented by followers of other faiths and atheists.
What is the Temple of the Four Religions?
Each of the tourists will be curious to look at the Temple of the Four Religions. Sri Lanka is a country in which all faiths peacefully coexist and seem to be one, if we consider them not from the point of view of the sequence of rites, but as manifestations of culture. It is logical that the country has a landmark that emphasizes the peaceful coexistence of religions.
The temple of 4 religions Sri Lanka acquired relatively recently. The complex was opened in 2006. This attraction is located on Mount Ambuluvava. This is a very interesting, albeit inaccessible place.
What is interesting about the Temple of the Four Religions?
The name, no doubt, is associated with the religions that are held by most of the population of Sri Lanka. However, the complex is not at all a religious monument. Not only religious values and historical sites are rich in Sri Lanka. Religion, whatever it is, is only part of what local people live and what the country has to offer tourists.
The temple complex is located in the heart of the natural biosphere reserve. On its territory are:
- temple dedicated to the four leading religions;
- research Center;
- Hall of international conferences;
- sacred bodhi tree;
- rock garden;
- water park with three unique ponds;
- "Oasis" of medicinal plants.
Of course, the temple building is central in the architectural ensemble of the complex. It is crowned by a very unusual outwardly similar to a spiral tower, whose height is 48 meters. An observation deck is open upstairs. But, of course, not everyone decides to climb it.
Why are there four religions on the island?
Not so long ago, an independent state of Sri Lanka appeared on the world map. Religion, each of the four main ones, was “brought” here by merchants, travelers, immigrants and, of course, invaders from ancient times. What is curious, each of the religions, penetrating the island, did not cause rejection from the existing religions.
But who originally inhabited the island of Sri Lanka? What faith is primordial, native to the inhabitants of this country? Historians have no answer to this question. It is believed that Hinduism first appeared here, and before that pagan beliefs prevailed.
Buddhism entered Sri Lanka second and immediately gained great popularity, becoming the "state religion." This happened in 246 BC thanks to the successful mission of Mahinda, one of the sons of the Emperor Mauriev Ashoka.
Islam penetrated these lands in the 15th century. This happened due to the fact that many of the Arab and Moorish merchants, who at that time practically monopolized trade routes in the Indian Ocean, remained to live on the island.
Christians claim that the first missionary on the island was the apostle Thomas himself, who arrived here in the 1st century. It is possible that this is so, but Catholic priests appeared here simultaneously with the Portuguese military in the 16th century. In the XVII century, the Dutch conquered the island, and the position of Catholicism was further strengthened. Missionaries of other Christian denominations appeared in these lands only after the success of the British military company in the 19th century.
About Hinduism
Hinduism is the first local religion. Sri Lanka, or rather, its inhabitants, adhered to this religion at the time the Buddhist mission appeared in the country. The positions of this religion seriously shook in the III-IV century. However, the religion did not disappear, since it was supported by representatives of the dynasties ruling in South India and in Orissa.
Over time, a balance was established between the two beliefs. Hinduism not only suffered the expansion of Buddhism, but remained the dominant religion in the northern and eastern parts of the island. The position of this religion was greatly shaken by Christianity, that is, the Catholic faith. Sri Lanka is a small island, every religion that penetrates here needed followers. Of course, some of them are locals converted to the new faith.
Today, 7.8% of the population profess Hinduism. Hindu ancient temples can be seen in the northern and eastern provinces, and the most frequently visited by tourists is located in the center of Colombo, in the old capital of the country.
About buddhism
Buddhist worship adhere to 76.7% of the inhabitants of the island. This religion can be called dominant in the state.
Buddhism owes its appearance on the island to Makhinda, the famous poet and translator of antiquity, as well as the monk and son of the ruler of the Mauri. This man arrived in Sri Lanka in 246 BC. The island at that time was ruled by Devanampius Tissa. It was this king who became the first Buddhist convert. Mahinda's sister, Sanghamitra, brought the first local shrine to the island. It was a stalk of the sacred Bodhi tree. And she also became the founder of the first Buddhist monastery, of course, a female monastery. In the IV century, another shrine appeared in Sri Lanka - the tooth of the Buddha himself. This relic is kept in the sacred Tooth Temple in Kandy.
Of course, the spread and rooting of Buddhism was negatively affected by both Hinduism and Christianity. However, it was this religion that was preferred by most of the inhabitants of the island.
About islam
Islam is the only religion that has almost no effect on the positions of both Hinduism and Buddhism. On the island, this religion appeared along with merchants who decided to settle in Sri Lanka.
It so happened that the trade routes in the Indian Ocean, including those used by the merchants of Sri Lanka, were controlled by Arab sailors by the 15th century. Many of the merchants of Arabia, visiting the island, did not want to return to their native sands and made every effort to transport their relatives to the "tropical paradise". Of course, they transported not only family members, but also their own cultural and religious traditions. However, Muslims did not impose their faith on the locals.
With the advent of the Portuguese invaders, Muslims had to face persecution and persecution. The historical opposition of Islamic and Christian cultures, which was especially clearly felt in Portugal, affected. The result of this was the relocation of the vast majority of Muslims to the east of Sri Lanka and to the central regions of the island, where there were practically no Portuguese Christians.
Today Islam is a full island religion. Sri Lanka even has its own Department of Religious and Cultural Affairs for Muslims. The oldest and most beautiful mosques can be seen in Galle.
About christianity
Missionaries from Portugal set foot on the island in the 15th century, along with the military. However, local Catholics claim that the first Christian to visit the island was the Apostle Thomas. And, accordingly, from the 1st century there were small Christian communities. Historians can neither confirm this legend nor refute it.
It is likely that a similar version of the rooting of Christianity in Sri Lanka arose because of its proximity to Muslims, that is, in order to indicate primacy. But maybe Thomas actually visited here.
But before the Portuguese appeared, the locals had not heard of Christians. Of course, there are no buildings dating back to the 15th century. The Portuguese did not particularly succeed in converting the locals to Christianity, as they concentrated on confronting the Muslims. This religion spread to Sri Lanka later, during the rule of the Dutch.
By 1722, quite a lot of people adhered to the Catholic faith - 21% of the total population. However, Christianity did not become not only dominant, but simply a popular religion. This is probably due to a change in colonial administration. As soon as the British took possession of the island, Protestant and Anglican missionaries set foot on its lands. Their activities caused significant confusion and did not contribute to the popularization of Christianity.
But the position of this religion was especially shaken after the liberation of the country from colonial rule. Moreover, the number of Catholics has not decreased, but the Protestants have almost disappeared. Currently, 88% of Christians on the island are Catholics. The most beautiful and famous Catholic church is the church of St. Sebastian, located in Negombo.