KATARAGAMA
Kataragama is a temple
complex dedicated to Buddhist guardian deity “Kataragama deviyo” and Hindu War
God Kathirkamam. Kataragama is the most important pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka;
a holy place for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Veddah people. People believe that
King Dutugemunu buit Kataragama temple according to the God Kataragama request.
On perahera season, sacred place Kataragama being crowded with devotees. And
also, there is a related shrine called Sella Katirkamam dedicated to the
beloved elephant-faced God Ganesha nearby, who is known as Lord Murugan's elder
brother. Manik Ganga which flows through Kataragama village is popular as a
sacred river in all over the country. People bath in the Manik river to purify
themselves.
Must Visit Place In KATARAGAMA
Wedasiti Kanda
"Wadasiti Kanda" is commonly known as "Wedihiti Kanda" is located in Katharagama, Southern Province in Sri Lanka. As per the incredible Wadasiti Kanda got its name in light of the God Katharagama was lived in that mountain with his wife Goddess Valli. On the top of a hill is a small stupa, bodhi tree and newly built shrines provisioning panoramic views of the surroundings including Sithulpawwa and Yala. Except for Kataragama Devalaya and Sella Kataragama, Wedihiti Kanda is one of the most popular destination for the pilgrims to Kataragama.
Kiri Wehera
Kiri Vehera which stands in close proximity to the Katharagama Devalaya was built by the King Mahasena. It is a pilgrimage town popular among Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and even to South Indians. Based on archaeological evidence found, it is believed that the Kiri Vehera was either renovated to build during the first century BCE. There are a number of other inscriptions and ruins.
Sithulpawwa
In ancient times, Sithulpawwa was known as Chiththala Pabbatha, or “the hill of the quiet mind”. The nature of such a name is personified by its significance as an ancient Buddhist monastery dating back to the reign of King Kavantissa in the 2nd century B.C. The temple of Sithulpauwwa is located on top of a cluster of mountains. It was recommended to come during the hours of the sunrise or the sunset because as it is a temple, you will have to climb the rick barefooted.
Katharagama Mahadevalaya
This is a Hindu kovil and also Buddhist temple complex with is located Near to “Manik River”. The trendy Kataragama deviyo has become the most popular amongst the Sinhalese people. A number of legends and mythologies are associated with divinity and location, differing by religion, ethnic affiliation, and time. There are many festivals are conducted by the dewalaya such as Perahera, Muruthen puja was,aluth sahal mangalaya, and kawadi dance. If you be there you can feel the peacefulness of this busy place.
Sella Katharagama
This is also kovil complex located near Kataragama. There are many Kovils are there such as Ganapathi, Walliamma, Shiva, and more. There also peace full as Katharagama maha dewalaya . you can taste Sri Lankan sweets named “Dodo” which is famous for sweets in Sri Lanka. If you are interested in local sweets this is a place for it.
