Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country that, for the most part, lives in peace and harmony. Likewise, how can we forget the rotten past, which has been scarred by numerous racial misunderstandings based on creed? Uniquely, as a country that has a strong foundation based on one’s religion, it is heartening to notice that religion plays a major role in moulding our culture. To this effect, religious ornaments in Sri Lanka and many arts and crafts created replicating prominent religious personalities and figures play an important role.
Who makes religious ornaments in Sri Lanka?
Frankly, this is not a multi-million dollar industry. Traditionally, there have been very few communities that have been personally turning out these religious ornaments in Sri Lanka for generations. To enumerate, they have received the training from their elders, who have been practising this craft for years. In particular, with the advent of commerce, industry and enterprise, there are a few local firms that have formalised this industry to a lesser degree.
Chiefly, these local enterprises employ craftsmen to turn out religious ornaments to suit various religious denominations. Notably, many aspiring sculptors are employed by these institutions, which hand out training to improve the skills required to manufacture these ornaments. Indeed, for many aspiring artisans who have artistic traits, these local firms provide a window of opportunity to practice their craft.
Buying religious ornaments online
Is it unethical to buy religious ornaments online? Certainly not. After all, it is a new facet of trading that has rapidly gained popularity around the world. By all means, in Sri Lanka, online purchasing is a growing phenomenon. Why is this so? Due to busy lifestyles, traffic congestion, and COVID 19, today people are avoiding congested spaces. As a result, people feel comfortable ordering online.
Also, for example, if one is domiciled overseas and intends to gift a religious ornament, the obvious choice is to search online. To this end, religious ornaments can be purchased online at kapruke.com. Additionally, kapruka.com will deliver these religious ornaments to any designated address in Sri Lanka. Significantly, this is a great benefit to many Sri Lankans living overseas.
Where to buy religious ornaments in Sri Lanka?
In reality, you cannot find shops that sell Buddhist, Catholic and Hindu religious ornaments all under one roof. Notably, Buddhist religious ornaments can be easily found in the atapirikara shops spread across Sri Lanka. Additionally, in Colombo, you can visit Laksala, Lakpahana and Lakmedura. Uniquely, the Buddhist Heritage Home in Kirulapona is another place I found many types of Buddhist merchandise.
As for Catholic and Christian faiths, they can buy religious ornaments at outlets located within the church premises. However, if you are in Colombo, you can visit the St. Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade, and around this church, you will find many places selling religious ornaments. Another place I have seen selling Catholic merchandise is at Infant Jesus Church, located in Justice Akbar Mawatha, Colombo 2. In like manner, you can visit the Ceylon Bible Society, 293, Galle Road, Colombo 03 to purchase Catholic and Christian religious merchandise of the highest order.
Religious ornaments at Kapruka
Buddhism, the religion of the majority of people in Sri Lanka, is given a place of preference, although Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity are also practised by significant portions of the population. Kapruka has a very thoughtful collection of religious ornaments and souvenirs that represent all the major religions in our beautiful country.
Don’t you think it will be a wonderful gesture to send a religious ornament along with a bouquet of flowers to your loved ones? Think of it like this, you are a Christian girl dating a Buddhist boy, and for your birthday he sends you a beautiful bouquet of roses and a Crucifix of Jesus. The feeling is very special, isn’t it? Kapruka is an organization dedicated to preserving age-old cultures and spreading the positive messages preached by every religion. This is what makes Sri Lanka unique.
Where to place a Buddha statue
Before purchasing and placing a Buddha statue in the home, here are a couple of points to keep in mind. Some of these are general principles that involve good taste and avoiding disrespect.
- Placing a Buddha statue in a part of the home that enjoys good energy is the most auspicious choice. A beautiful vista or restful, uncluttered room is ideal for this.
- Never place a Buddha statue on the floor or near the soles of your shoes; this is not appropriate and may be disrespectful. Instead, use a table or altar to display the statue.
- It is also disrespectful to store a decorative Buddha figure in a safe or vault. Also, keep it away from messy or unkempt parts of the home, especially facing the bathroom.
- Great locations for a Buddha figurine include the study or office reception desk, in your meditation garden, or where yoga is practised. If a decorative Buddha figure is placed in a car, it should face forward. In the garden, the statue should face the home.
Buddhist ornaments available at Kapruka
‘DHYAN MUDRA’ BUDDHA STATUE- WHITE (13INCH)
The Dhyana mudra is used in representations of the Sakyamuni Buddha and Amitabha Buddha. Sometimes the Dhyana mudra is used in certain representations of Bhaisajyaguru as the Medicine Buddha, with a medicine bowl placed on the hands. It originated in India, most likely in the Gandhara, and in China during the Wei period. The Dhyana mudra was used long before the Buddha as yogis have used it during their concentration, healing, and meditation exercises.
‘DHARMACHAKRA MUDRA’ BUDDHA STATUE – WHITE (18 INCH)
Dharmachakra mudra is one of such unique hand gestures used in Buddha statues which means the wheel of Dharma in Buddhism. The Dharmachakra mudra is also known as a gesture of teaching of the Wheel of Dharma. This gesture depicts one of the most important moments in the Buddha`s life as he performed the Dharmachakra mudra in his first sermon in Sarnath after he attained enlightenment
‘ABHAYA MUDRA’ BUDDHA STATUE- ORANGE (12INCH)
Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness. Thus, this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. It is made with the right hand raised to shoulder height, the arm crooked, the palm of the hand facing outward, and the fingers upright and joined.
‘THERUWAN SARANAI’ WALL HANGING
This hand-made wall hanging with gems and mineral chips is the perfect gift to send to your friends and family.
Hindu religious ornaments sold at Kapruka
LORD GANESHA STATUE
Bring the goodness and blessings of Ganesha into your home. The presence of the Hindu idol Lord Ganesha in the home is responsible for success, goodwill, wealth, prosperity, and happiness. According to ancient texts & myths, the presence of the god Ganesha is very positive & is a powerful Feng Shui & Vastu idol. Lord Ganesha represents Joy and happiness, which is symbolic of bringing prosperity and good luck.
LORD KRISHNA TABLE ORNAMENT
Krishna is playing his divine flute and creating enticing divine music. It is believed that even the cows get enticed by the tune of the divine flute played by Lord Krishna.
LORD RAMA AND LAKSHMAN STATUE
Religious Idols Rama, which means “one who permeates and who is present in everything and everyone”, is the seventh avatar of Vishnu, and Lakshmana was half-brother to Rama. He accompanied Rama and Sita in their exile and shared their struggles. This is an amazing gift to send to your family on any special occasion.
LORD KRISHNA STATUE
Vibrant Krishna statue with glitter, silver, and gold paint in bright colours. This quintessentially Indian style statue of Lord Krishna shows him holding a flute whilst standing cross-legged upon a lotus flower.