Sri Lanka is a land full of folk tales and legends, passed down through generations. Many stories from Down South Sri Lanka teach lessons, spark imagination, and connect people to the past. One of these is the tale of Gamarala and the White Elephant, a story of curiosity, wonder, and the unexpected.
How The Gamarala Went To Heaven
Long ago, in a quiet village, there lived a Gamarala, a hardworking farmer who grew paddy. He spent every day tending to his crops, making sure they grew tall and healthy. One day, as he walked through his paddy field, his heart sank. A large portion of his crops had been eaten! He cried out, “Oh, my precious paddy!” He was furious and saddened at the sight of his hard work destroyed. Someone—or something—had feasted on his crops.
Determined to catch the culprit, Gamarala stayed awake that night, keeping watch over his field. Suddenly, something incredible appeared. From the clouds descended a beautiful, elegant white elephant. Without hesitation, the elephant began eating the paddy. Gamarala, stunned, forgot his anger. His curiosity and amazement grew. What was this strange, magical creature, and where was it coming from?
As the elephant prepared to leave, Gamarala ran and held onto its tail. Up they rose through the clouds, and he saw wonders beyond his imagination. The next morning, he returned home, excited to tell his family about the magical journey and the glimpse of heaven he had witnessed. His wife and family were eager to see it for themselves.
The following night, Gamarala and his family went to the field again. When the elephant arrived, they all held on—Gamarala to the elephant’s tail and the rest to each other. As they floated up into the clouds toward heaven, his wife asked, “How big are the paddy fields in heaven?” Excited to answer, Gamarala used his hands to show the vastness of the fields—and forgot he was holding the elephant’s tail.
In an instant, Gamarala and his family tumbled down from the sky. They landed safely, but the magical white elephant never returned. With it, their chance to see heaven vanished. Still, the story of Gamarala and the white elephant is remembered as a tale of wonder, curiosity, and the fleeting magic that sometimes visits the world.
Explore more: Sri Lankan Proverbs and Folk Wisdom | Local Cuisine Tips | Cultural Etiquette in Galle
External reference: Sri Lankan Folklore