Upulvan (Sinhala: උපුල්වන් දෙවියෝ, Pali: Uppalavanna; Sanskrit: Utpalavarna), also known as Vishnu (Vishnu deviyo) is a guardian deity (Pali: Khettapala; Sanskrit: Kshetrapala) of Sri Lanka.[1] Sri Lankan Buddhists believe him also as a protector of the Buddhism in the country. The name Upulvan depicts his body colour which means "blue water lily coloured". The cult of Upulvan started during the medieval period in Sri Lanka.[2][3] According to the local lore and legend, Upulvan is the god whom the Buddha entrusted with the guardianship of Sri Lanka and Buddha Śāsana of the country.[4]
- ^ Professor Dhammavihari Thera. "Upulvan or Uppalavaṇṇa - the Guardian Deity of Sri Lanka". Archived from the original on 2022-04-16. Retrieved 2010-06-25.
- ^ Pieris, Kamalika. "Buddhist practices in ancient and medieval Sri Lanka". Retrieved 2010-06-25.
- ^ "Temples of Devi Nuwara show Buddhist-Hindu connections". Retrieved 2010-06-25.
- ^ "Devinuwara Upulvan (Vishnu) Devale". Amazing Lanka. Retrieved 10 December 2014.