© 2023 Dr. M. Sheppard
These extracts are from the texts at the beginning of the ceremony when the Performance Area, toran and shrines are sanctified. They relate the origin and legends of the Deities being invited to attend the Ceremony. Here extracts concerning Pattini are quoted. For full details see particularly Obeysekere p 79-
“Lady Pattini O goddess shining over the world like the full moon
We remember you and give you offerings of dances
If these people have done wrongs be patient, O lady full of merit
Lady, mighty Pattini, joyously take the offerings given in this hall…..
The goddess descends from wind and cloud and sky
She looks at the sorrows in Sri Lanka with her divine eyes
She takes the anklet and carries it on her shoulder
Arrive O Pattini of wind and cloud and flower
We invite her who was conceived in the holy golden mango
She who gave the anklet to her husband and told him its worth
With the anklet she broke the prowess of the Pandi king
O Pattini who resurrected the dead body, come and reside here.
That day she went to the Velli rest \house
She subjugated the demoness who lived there
By the power of the chastity and morality that she zealously guards
Listen and come this day into this hall O mighty Pattini……….
Seven times was the Seven Pattini born
In seven places and on seven days
With compassion and kindness protect us morthals
O Seven Goddess Pattini come into your flower home.”