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| The statue of Lord Buddha, near the entrance of the Seethawaka Urban council, Avissawella. |
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| The donated 'Dolos maha pahana' in its glass covering. |
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| Mr. Wimalasena lighting the lamp. |
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| Lighting the lamp. |
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| The donors of the lamp. |
A lamp built of brass and made to accept donations of coconut oil by devotees and which is meant to be lighted for all twelve months of the year is called a 'Dolos maha pahana'. In the days when there was no electricity it was a boon to devotees as it lighted the place of worship. One of the older historical ones in Sri Lanka is on the top of 'Sri Pada' - 'Sivanoli paadha malai' - 'Adam's Peak'. Devotees carry a bottle of coconut oil all the way up to the top of the Peak to pour into this lamp.
Donation of this type of lamp is done by Buddhists in present Sri Lanka to earn 'merit' in their life-time.
The above photos are from one such ceremony in Avissawella.
