Reading a 'birth chart'

A 'birth chart' - 'Handahan'S - is made for each child as soon as the child is born iun Sri Lanka. The chart is written on an 'ola leaf' and is rolled up. It depicts the time of birth and the position of the planets and constellations at that time. It acts as a guide in fixing auspicious times, finding a suitable partner in life, laying the foundation of a house etc. The picture shows a birth chart written on an ola leaf. Picture taken at Bollathava, Kosgama, Sri Lanka.

The drivers seat in a passenger transporting bus, Sri Lanka.

The owners of buses take extra pains to decorate the buses. I took this picture of the interior. You can see the row of pictures of the 'Guardian Dieties' illuminated by electric bulbs.

Statue of Ravana, Bambaragalle, Sri Lanka.

 Ravana was a mythical king of Sri Lanka whose reign goes back to the mists of antiquity. He was vilified in the epic 'Ramayana' written in India. A statue commemorating Ravana showing his ten heads was installed recently on a high point on the rock at Bambaragalle. There are some 'manthras' inscribed in a strange script  at the base of this statue. This site overlooks a lovely view of the valley below. I took these photographs on a visit to the site.

Rideevihare, Sri Lanka.

 Jak fruits on a tree and a stone shelter for monks doing meditation (old days). The small sticks kept to support the stone are symbolic offerings of devotees.

 Stairway cut into a large rock giving access to a 'Chaithya' on top. A rain water collector made of cement and wire-mesh - a recent design.

Artifacts at Rideevihara, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka.

 Moonstone and lamp holder made of stone.

A stone slab to hold lighted lamps and flowers. A urinal to be used squatting down and a stone pestle.
Rideevihare has its origins in the 2nd Century BC.

Rideevihara, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka

 The influence of South India in the stone pillars and carvings is evident in these phitos I took at Rideevihare dated to the 2nd Century BC.

Dehena Ella - waterfall, Rathnapura, Sri Lanka.

Dehena Ella - waterfall is about 20Km from Rathnapura on the Rathnapura - Wewalwaththe road. It is surrounded by lush jungle and is by the side of the road. When there is heavy rain in the upper reaches it becomes a roaring torrent. Click on the link below to view it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW4CgR7bFBc