§ 01Origins & Significance
Who is Pattini
The Sri Lankan form of Kannagi. Worshipped by Sinhalese Buddhists as a goddess of chastity, health, and protection. Her cult was brought to Sri Lanka from South India and became integrated into Buddhist practice. Represents the virtues of fidelity and righteousness.
§ 05Names & Epithets
Names by which the divine is addressed
Kannagi कण्णगि
Chaste woman
Paṭṭini पट्टिनि
Goddess of chastity
§ 06Symbols & Attributes
What they hold
ChastityHealthProtectionBuddhist integration
पा
Anklet
Symbol of her marital fidelity and the instrument of her curse.
प
Lotus
Symbol of purity and divine grace.
स्
Gold
Represents her association with wealth and prosperity.
§ 07Iconography in Depth
Form, mudras, weapons & vahana
Depicted as a serene, chaste woman. Often shown with gold jewelry. Sometimes depicted with a lotus. Peaceful, benevolent expression.
§ 09Mantras
Sacred utterances
Pattini Stotram
ॐ पट्टिन्यै नमः
Oṁ Paṭṭinyai namaḥ
Salutations to Pattini.
— Sri Lankan tradition
§ 12Festivals & Vrata
The year of Pattini
Āvaṇi · Pūrṇimā
Pattini Festival
Annual festival in Sri Lanka honoring Pattini with processions and offerings.
Māsi · Pūrṇimā
Pattini Puja
Special puja performed for health and protection.
§ 13Where Worshipped
Tīrthas & major shrines
01
Kandy
Central Province, Sri Lanka
Major Pattini temple in the region.
02
Colombo
Western Province, Sri Lanka
Several shrines dedicated to Pattini.
§ 14Scriptures
Where to read further
Silappadikaram
Tamil epic narrating the story of Kannagi, the source of Pattini worship.
c. 5th century CE
§ 16Related Deities
Continue exploring
क
Husband
Kovalan
कोवलन्
म
Rival courtesan
Madhavi
माधवी
व
Associated in some traditions as a protector
Vishnu
विष्णु