Legends on How KANDY Got Its Name – Senkadagala

Nestled atop a plateau and encircled by majestic mountains, the citadel of the Kandyan kingdom is a place where history and legend intertwine. During the colonial era, locals referred to this area as “Kanda” in Sinhala, meaning “mountain.” Foreigners, struggling to pronounce this word, called it “Kandy”, and that name has endured in English. However, in Sinhala, Kandy is also known as “Maha Nuwara”, translating to “The Citadel.” Moreover, since the reign of Sinhala kings, the main city area has been known as “Senkadagala”.

But how did Kandy come to be known as Senkadagala? Here are three captivating legends that seek to explain this intriguing name.

The Miraculous Rock: A Tale of Divine Protection

Long ago, the hill country was a dense forest, a wild and untamed place. One day, a villager ventured into this forest to gather cane. As he wandered through the thick underbrush, he unexpectedly encountered a wild elephant. Terrified, the villager ran for his life, his heart pounding in his chest. In his desperate flight, he spotted a rock and, without hesitation, scrambled up its rough surface. To his amazement, the moment he touched the rock, the wild elephant turned and fled in terror.

Astonished, the villager sat on the rock, trying to catch his breath. As he rested, he witnessed a deer being chased by a tiger. When the deer reached the rock, the tiger too retreated. The same occurred with a mongoose and a snake. The rock seemed to possess a mysterious power that repelled danger.

As the villager made his way home, he encountered an ascetic named Senkanda. Upon hearing the villager’s story, Senkanda revealed that he knew of the rock’s supernatural properties and that he resided in a nearby cave.

The villager soon learned that King Wickramabahu of Gampola was searching for a site to build his citadel. He informed the king about the miraculous rock. Intrigued, the king visited the ascetic and decided to build his kingdom nearby, naming the citadel Senkadaya in honor of Senkanda.

A Battle and a Name: The Legend of Sena Kanda

Another legend speaks of a fierce battle that shaped the destiny of Kandy. The chief Adigar (Prime Minister) Nissanka Alakeswara of Kandy successfully defended the region against the troops of King Arya Chakrawarthi of Jaffna. This battle was not just a clash of armies but also a testament to the divine guidance of God Natha.

The name “Sena Kanda”, meaning “Army Divided,” emerged from this victory, symbolizing the triumph over the invading forces. Over time, this name evolved into “Senkandagala”, a reminder of the bravery and strategic brilliance that safeguarded the kingdom.

The Divine Shrine: King Wickramabahu’s Vision

The third legend harks back to the reign of King Wickramabahu. During his time, there was a shrine on Hantana Mountain dedicated to God Eashwara, also known as “Chenkatath”. The king, in search of a land to build his citadel, found guidance in the words of Venerable Rathanapala, who lived in a cave on Hantana Mountain. The venerable monk spoke of a victorious land in Hantana, a place blessed by divine favor.

Heeding this advice, King Wickramabahu established his kingdom there and named it “Chenkatan Nuwara” after God Eashwara. Over time, this name transformed into “Senkanda Nuwara”, reflecting the divine inspiration that guided the king’s decision.

Historical records suggest that Kandy, initially known as Senkadagalapura, was founded by King Wickramabahu III (1357–1374 AD) of the Kingdom of Gampola. Some scholars propose that it was originally called Katubulu Nuwara near the present Watapuluwa area. However, Senkadagala remains the more popular historical name. The Portuguese later anglicized the Sinhala name “Kanda Uda Rata” (land on the mountain) to “Kandy,” using it for both the kingdom and its capital

These legends, rich in culture and mystique, weave a fascinating narrative about how Kandy, or Senkadagala, came to be. Each tale, whether of miraculous encounters, heroic battles, or divine guidance, adds to the rich historical tapestry of this ancient city. As you wander through the streets of Kandy today, remember that beneath the modern facade lies a land steeped in legends and history, waiting to be discovered.