Introduction: A Mountain of Mythological Importance
Within the Kurunegala District lies Yakdessagala, a mountain whose significance is derived not from its geology, but from its central role in the foundational narrative of the Sinhalese people. Known as the “Rock of the She-Devil,” Yakdessagala is identified in Sri Lankan folklore as the site from which Queen Kuveni, the native Yaksha queen, pronounced her curse against the unfaithful King Vijaya. This makes the mountain a physical landmark of immense cultural and mythological importance, representing a pivotal moment in the island’s legendary history.
The Legend of Kuveni and the Betrayal of a Queen
The story of Yakdessagala is intrinsically linked to the legend of King Vijaya’s arrival in Sri Lanka, as chronicled in the Mahavamsa. According to the text, Kuveni, a powerful Yaksha noblewoman, encountered the exiled Prince Vijaya and his followers upon their landing. Aiding him in defeating her own people, she was instrumental in helping him establish the island’s new kingdom.
They had two children together, but to secure his legitimacy and forge a powerful alliance, Vijaya ultimately chose to marry a royal princess from the Pandyan kingdom in Southern India. He callously cast Kuveni and their children out from the palace.
Fleeing in sorrow and rage, Kuveni is said to have retreated to this specific mountain. From its peak, she looked down upon the kingdom she helped build and cursed the king for his betrayal. This act cemented the mountain’s name and its enduring place in the national consciousness as a symbol of grief, loyalty, and betrayal.
Geographical and Cultural Context
Located in the North Western Province, Yakdessagala stands as a prominent natural feature. While the region is known for many significant rock outcrops, Yakdessagala is distinguished by its powerful association with this foundational story. It serves as more than just a destination for pilgrims or hikers; it is a tangible link to the island’s epic origin story, a place where the physical landscape and national folklore merge.
Its story continues to be a subject of cultural discussion, representing the complex relationship between the island’s legendary settlers and its indigenous inhabitants. The mountain, therefore, is not just a point on a map but a site of significant cultural memory.