© 2023 Dr Margaret Sheppard
Whenever a new building or extension or indeed a new enterprise is undertaken, a lucky time and date for the commencement and for the various stages will be obtained from an astrologer. If it is a major building project such as a new house, a pirit man or even monks may attend to chant the appropriate holy texts.
In the foundation of a new house certain articles are buried e.g. earth, seeds, minerals etc from different parts of Sri Lanka. These will be buried by the owner. Also a small fire is made on which coconut milk is boiled in a clay pot. The way the milk boils over the pot is carefully watched as a sign of good luck for the new house or enterprise.
A new hotel is planned so the owner consults the astrologer to advise on a lucky day to start the foundation. The astrologer uses several of the old books she inherited from her forbears who were also astrologers. This consultation cost 100 Sri Lankan rupees in 2005
The contract builders are advised of the lucky day and times and discussions take place on site.
The different articles that are to be buried in the foundations are collected together - some are found locally such as the inside of a tooth, others come from a shop. They are placed at the Buddah pujah place in the owner’s house.
Purchasing the pujah offerings for Hindhu Temple
The owner then makes a pilgrimage to Kataragama or their local Temple to pray for success of this new enterprise.
Buying the water lilies for the Buddhist Temple puja
Pujah of water lilies and flowers at Buddhist Temple
Tying a coin into a prayer rag to pray for success
Special coconut frond “houses” are woven for the 4 corners of the site
The Pirit man (in white) joins all the 4 coconut “houses”. in which have been placed “offerings” of coconut oil lamps and flowers, with white thread which is then tied to the pirit table and him whilst he is reciting the holy texts. The pirit man is a local man who lives a pure and holy life.
Pirit table joined to white thread
Final check of all articles to be buried
Sea sand was missing so quick visit to nearby beach!
Owner placing flower offerings in coconut “houses”
Contract builders hammer in markings for foundations
Hole is dug for items that will be buried
Fire prepared for clay pot of coconut milk to be boiled
List of ”lucky times” are checked
Owner carries forward items to be buried
At the exact lucky time she places them in the prepared hole
At appropriate lucky time owner carries forward clay pot of coconut milk and places it on the fireplace
She lights the fire which is then tended by helpers
Coconut milk boils over in “lucky” way
All participants then have a length of the white pirit thread died around their wrists. This they will keep on for 2-3 days and then when it is cut off, placed in the household pujah place
Participants then partake of special foods, kiribaht (coconut milk rice), bananas, specially cooked sweets, biscuits etc.
Presentation of “first money” to owner to bring good luck
Foundation Ceremonies