On the climb to Kadugannawa from Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Bathers on the river below the old stone bridge at Mawanella., Sri Lanka.

Animal statuettes made of papier mache

Bathala gala, Coffin rock, Bible rock, Kadugannawa valley

Three Austin motor cars, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

These were the cars on the roads of Ceylon in the 1950s.

Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Pooja requisites

Coconuts, claypot  lamps containing ghee, plastic garlands, incense sticks are the various items for sale inside the premises of the Dewale.

The environs of the 'Chaithya' at Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka

The sacred 'Bo' tree near the 'Chaithya'

The courtyard in front of the 'Chaithya'

Breaking coconuts, Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka

Breaking of coconuts

Pieces of broken coconuts surrounding the stone where the coconuts are smashed

Breaking of coconuts to fulfil a vow to Lord Ganesha is practiced extensively in the Hindu Dewales of Sri Lanka. There are various interpretations given to this act. I have heard it said that it is an act symbolizing the breaking of the hard outer ego to taste the white sweet kernel of the deity resident in each human being. I took these pictures and video at the Aluthnuwara Dewale in Mawanella, Sri Lanka.
Video:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAceEbYQ_y0

Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

The sacred tree

A coconut leaf receptacle to offer flowers at the site

Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Lamp offerings

Cock-bird donated to Dewale

Aluthnuwara Dewale, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Dewale premises

Click on web-link below:-
http://www.visitsabaragamuwa.lk/doc_view.php?page=6

Aluthnuwara Dewala, Mawanella, Sri Lanka.

Entrance to the Aluthnuwara Dewala.

Inside the Dewala premises.