Lithograph dated 1811
"The Magi consulting
on first sight of the star,"
(England, 19th c.)
Magos Foundation Collection
THE WISE MEN OF JAFFNA AT
THE TIME OF THE NATIVITY
Astrology has played a central role in Ceylon for thousands of years, often taught by Buddhist monks. In Hinduism, the religion mostly supported by the Pandyan Kings, the sages, is called Brahmins. The Rabbis present in Jaffna could also have been consulted after the appearance of the star. The presence of Jews in the Pandyan Empire dates back to the time of King Solomon and then during the exodus from Babylon, where the Jews were expelled.