Early Life
Kuveni, recorded as a demoness in human form, belonged to the indigenous Yaksha tribe of the island of Lanka. Legend states that she resided here even before the arrival of Prince Vijaya in Lanka. Kuveni was an important figure of the Yaksha tribe, and various stories exist about her power and abilities.
Encounter with Prince Vijaya
After Prince Vijaya and his retinue, who had been exiled from India, disembarked in Lanka, Kuveni attempted to devour them. However, she was unable to do so due to the sacred threads tied on the hands of Prince Vijaya’s men. At the moment she was about to be killed by Prince Vijaya, Kuveni pleaded for her life. This event marked an important turning point in the history of Lanka.
As Prince Vijaya’s Queen
As an opportunity to save her life, Kuveni promised to dedicate herself as a woman to Prince Vijaya. Accordingly, she became Prince Vijaya’s first queen. They had two children – Jeevahatta and Disala. Kuveni supported Prince Vijaya in establishing his kingdom and helped him drive away the Yakshas. She provided Prince Vijaya with information about Lanka’s resources and geographical location, offering essential cooperation for establishing a new kingdom.
Contribution and Legacy
Kuveni is an extremely important figure in the formative era of the Sinhala kingdom. She helped Prince Vijaya lay the foundational groundwork for ruling Lanka. Legend states that the Veddas descended from her children. However, Prince Vijaya abandoned Kuveni after bringing a princess from India. It is believed that she was killed by the Yakshas. Her story has left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan folklore and history.