Have you ever wondered how a small town in the south of Sri Lanka became a major pilgrimage destination for millions of devotees every year? Kataragama is a town and a temple complex that is sacred to different religions and ethnic groups, such as Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Veddas. It is one of the few places in the world where people of different faiths and cultures worship the same deity, known by different names and forms. In this article, we will explore the history, legend, architecture, rituals, festivals, and attractions of kataragama, and provide some useful tips for travelers who want to visit this sacred town of Sri Lanka.
History
Kataragama has a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times. According to the Mahavamsa, the great chronicle of Sri Lanka, Kataragama was one of the sixteen principal places of Buddhist pilgrimage in the island. The town was also mentioned in the Ramayana, the epic of India, as the place where Lord Rama met Hanuman, the monkey god, and sought his help to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The Skanda Purana, another ancient text of India, describes Kataragama as the abode of Lord Skanda, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Murugan, Kartikeya, or Kumara.
The history of Kataragama temple is closely linked with the history of the Ruhuna kingdom, which ruled the southern part of Sri Lanka from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD. The Ruhuna kings were ardent devotees of Lord Skanda and patronized the temple and its festivals. One of the most famous kings was Mahasena, who built the Kiri Vehera, a large white stupa near the temple, in the 6th century AD. Another notable king was Dutugemunu, who defeated the invading Chola king Elara and unified Sri Lanka in the 2nd century BC. He is said to have visited Kataragama temple before and after his victory and offered his gratitude to Lord Skanda.
The history of Kataragama temple is also enriched by the visit of Sage Arunagirinathar, a 15th century Tamil poet and saint, who composed the Thiruppugazh, a collection of hymns in praise of Lord Skanda. He is believed to have attained enlightenment at Kataragama and witnessed the divine vision of Lord Skanda and his consorts Valli and Devasena. The Vedda tribe, the indigenous people of Sri Lanka, also have a special connection with Kataragama. They consider Kataragama deviyo, the local name of Lord Skanda, as their chief deity and protector. They participate in the annual festival of Kataragama and perform their traditional dances and rituals. The government of Sri Lanka has also recognized the importance of Kataragama and declared it as a holy site in 1951.
Legend
The legend of Kataragama is a fascinating and romantic story that explains how Lord Skanda came to Sri Lanka and married Valli, a Vedda princess. According to the legend, Lord Skanda was the commander-in-chief of the army of gods and the slayer of the demon Taraka. He had six faces and twelve arms and rode on a peacock. He was married to Devasena, the daughter of Indra, the king of gods. However, he was also attracted to Valli, the daughter of Nambi, the chief of the Vedda tribe. Valli was a beautiful and pious girl who tended to the millet crops in the forest.
One day, Lord Skanda decided to visit the forest and see Valli. He disguised himself as a Vedda hunter and approached her. However, Valli was not interested in him and rejected his advances. Lord Skanda then changed his form into a tree, a bee, an elephant, and a Brahmin, but each time Valli resisted his attempts to woo her. Finally, Lord Skanda sought the help of his brother Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. Ganesha agreed to help him and took the form of a wild elephant. He chased Valli through the forest and cornered her near a rock. Valli was terrified and cried for help. Lord Skanda, who was in the form of a Brahmin, came to her rescue and offered to save her from the elephant if she agreed to marry him. Valli had no choice but to accept his proposal. Lord Skanda then revealed his true identity and married Valli with the consent of her father. He also invited his other wife Devasena and his parents Shiva and Parvati to the wedding. He then settled in Kataragama with his two wives and became known as Kataragama deviyo, the lord of Kataragama.
The legend of Kataragama symbolizes the union of the Vedic and the indigenous traditions of Sri Lanka, as well as the harmony of the divine and the human realms. It also illustrates the power of love and devotion that can overcome all obstacles and challenges. The legend of Kataragama is celebrated every year during the annual festival of Kataragama, when the images of Lord Skanda, Valli, and Devasena are taken in a procession around the town and the temple.
Architecture
The architecture of Kataragama temple reflects the diversity and the integration of the different faiths and cultures that worship there. The temple complex consists of several shrines, temples, and buildings that are dedicated to various deities and saints. The main shrine is the Maha Devale, which houses the image of Lord Skanda in the form of a lance, or vel, which is his weapon and symbol. The Maha Devale is a simple and modest structure with a tiled roof and a wooden door. The image of Lord Skanda is kept in a small chamber and covered with a cloth. Only the chief priest, or kapurala, is allowed to enter the chamber and perform the rituals. The devotees can only see the image from a distance and offer their prayers and offerings. The Maha Devale is surrounded by a wall and a moat and has four entrance gates, each guarded by a god. The eastern gate is guarded by Vishnu, the western gate by Ganesha, the southern gate by Kala Bhairava, and the northern gate by Indra.
The Maha Devale is flanked by two Buddhist temples, the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara and the Kiri Vehera. The Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara is a large and ancient temple that dates back to the 3rd century BC. It was built by King Kavantissa, the father of Dutugemunu, and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It contains a stupa, a bo tree, a relic chamber, and an image house. The stupa is said to enshrine the forehead bone relic of the Buddha and is revered by the Buddhists. The bo tree is said to be a sapling of the original bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment and is venerated by the Buddhists. The relic chamber is said to contain the tooth relic of the Buddha and is respected by the Buddhists. The image house is said to depict the life and teachings of the Buddha and is admired by the Buddhists.
The Kiri Vehera is another large and ancient temple that dates back to the 6th century AD. It was built by King Mahasena, a devotee of Lord Skanda, and is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. It consists of a huge white stupa that is 95 feet high and 280 feet in circumference. The stupa is said to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha and is worshipped by the Buddhists. The stupa is also said to be the place where Lord Skanda and Valli spent their honeymoon and is worshipped by the Hindus. The stupa is also said to be the place where King Dutugemunu and his army rested and prayed before their battle with King Elara and is worshipped by the Sinhalese.
The temple complex also contains several Hindu temples that are dedicated to various gods and goddesses, such as Ganesh, Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Hanuman. These temples are built in the Dravidian style of architecture and feature colorful gopurams, or towers, that are decorated with sculptures and paintings. The temples also have mandapas, or halls, that are used for ceremonies and festivals. The temples also have sanctums, or garbhagrihas, that house the idols and images of the deities. The temples are visited by the Hindus and the Tamils who offer their prayers and offerings to the deities.
The temple complex also has a mosque that is dedicated to Al-Khidr, or Khizr, a revered figure in Islam who is associated with wisdom and longevity. The mosque is a simple and elegant structure with a dome, a minaret, and a mihrab. The mosque is frequented by the Muslims and the Moors who offer their prayers and offerings to Al-Khidr. The mosque is also respected by the Buddhists and the Hindus who believe that Al-Khidr is a manifestation of Lord Skanda in the Islamic tradition. The mosque is also the place where the annual fire walking ceremony takes place, which is a common ritual among the devotees of Kataragama.
The temple complex also has a beautiful and serene landscape that adds to its charm and tranquility. The temple complex is situated on the banks of the Menik Ganga, or the River of Gems, which is a sacred river that flows from the Adam's Peak, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka. The river is believed to have healing and purifying properties and is used for bathing and offering by the pilgrims. The temple complex also has a bo garden, a lotus pond, a peacock park, and a museum. The bo garden is a lush green area that has several bo trees that are considered sacred by the Buddhists. The lotus pond is a calm and peaceful water body that has lotus flowers that are considered sacred by the Hindus. The peacock park is a colorful and lively area that has peacocks that are considered sacred by the devotees of Lord Skanda. The museum is a informative and educational area that has exhibits and displays that showcase the history, culture, and art of Kataragama.
Rituals
The rituals of Kataragama temple are a unique and fascinating aspect of the town and its culture. The rituals are performed by the devotees of different faiths and communities, who follow their own traditions and customs, but also respect and participate in the rituals of others. The rituals are a way of expressing their devotion, gratitude, and faith to Lord Skanda and his consorts, as well as seeking his blessings and protection. The rituals are also a way of experiencing the divine presence and power of Lord Skanda and his consorts, as well as witnessing the miracles and wonders that happen at Kataragama.
The most important ritual of Kataragama temple is the daily puja, or worship, that is conducted by the chief priest, or kapurala, at the Maha Devale. The daily puja consists of four sessions, or poojas, that are held at dawn, noon, evening, and night. The poojas involve the opening and closing of the door of the Maha Devale, the ringing of the bell, the blowing of the conch shell, the lighting of the lamps, the offering of flowers, fruits, and incense, the chanting of mantras and prayers, and the distribution of prasadam, or sacred food. The devotees gather around the Maha Devale and join the poojas by clapping their hands, singing songs, and reciting verses. The poojas are accompanied by the music of drums, flutes, and trumpets, that create a festive and joyful atmosphere. The poojas are also attended by the elephants, who are considered sacred and auspicious animals, and who carry the images of Lord Skanda and his consorts during the processions.
Another important ritual of Kataragama temple is the fire walking, or timiti, that is performed by the devotees during the annual festival of Kataragama. The fire walking is a daring and thrilling act of faith and devotion, that involves walking barefoot on a bed of hot coals, without getting burned or injured. The fire walking is done by the devotees who have made a vow, or kavadi, to Lord Skanda, and who have undergone a period of fasting, abstinence, and purification. The fire walking is done in front of the mosque, where a large pit is filled with burning wood and charcoal. The devotees, who are dressed in yellow or orange clothes, and who have applied turmeric or ash on their bodies, line up in front of the pit and wait for their turn. The devotees, who are in a state of trance and ecstasy, chant the name of Lord Skanda and run across the pit, without feeling any pain or fear. The devotees, who are then cooled down by the water of the Menik Ganga, believe that they have been blessed and protected by Lord Skanda and his consorts.
Another important ritual of Kataragama temple is the kavadi dance, or kavadi attam, that is performed by the devotees during the annual festival of Kataragama. The kavadi dance is a graceful and elegant act of devotion and dedication, that involves carrying a kavadi, or a wooden arch, that is decorated with peacock feathers, flowers, and bells, and that is attached to the body of the devotee by hooks, needles, or skewers. The kavadi dance is done by the devotees who have made a vow, or kavadi, to Lord Skanda, and who have undergone a period of fasting, abstinence, and purification. The kavadi dance is done along the streets of the town and the temple, where the devotees dance and sway to the rhythm of the drums, flutes, and trumpets, that accompany them. The devotees, who are in a state of trance and ecstasy, smile and laugh, without feeling any pain or discomfort. The devotees, who then offer their kavadis to Lord Skanda at the Maha Devale, believe that they have fulfilled their vows and received the grace and mercy of Lord Skanda and his consorts.
Another important ritual of Kataragama temple is the animal sacrifice, or bali, that is performed by the devotees during the annual festival of Kataragama. The animal sacrifice is a controversial and contentious act of devotion and tradition, that involves killing an animal, usually a goat or a chicken, and offering its blood and flesh to Lord Skanda and his consorts. The animal sacrifice is done by the devotees who have made a vow, or kavadi, to Lord Skanda, and who have undergone a period of fasting, abstinence, and purification. The animal sacrifice is done at the Maha Devale, where the devotees bring their animals and hand them over to the priests, who slit their throats and collect their blood in a vessel. The devotees, who are in a state of trance and ecstasy, watch and participate in the sacrifice, without feeling any guilt or remorse. The devotees, who then offer their animals to Lord Skanda and his consorts, believe that they have appeased and pleased them and obtained their favor and forgiveness.
Another important ritual of Kataragama temple is the offering, or pooja, that is performed by the devotees at the various shrines, temples, and buildings of the temple complex. The offering is a simple and humble act of devotion and gratitude, that involves giving something to the deities and saints, such as flowers, fruits, incense, milk, honey, or money. The offering is done by the devotees who have come to Kataragama to seek the blessings and protection of the deities and saints, and who have experienced their miracles and wonders. The offering is done at the shrines, temples, and buildings, where the devotees place their offerings on the altars or the images of the deities and saints, and bow their heads and fold their hands in reverence and respect. The devotees, who are in a state of peace and joy, receive the prasadam, or sacred food, that is given by the priests or the caretakers, and believe that they have shared and partaken in the divine presence and power of the deities and saints.
Festivals
The festivals of Kataragama temple are a unique and spectacular aspect of the town and its culture. The festivals are celebrated by the devotees of different faiths and communities, who come together and join in the festivities, while also observing their own traditions and customs. The festivals are a way of honoring and celebrating the deities and saints, as well as expressing their joy and happiness. The festivals are also a way of witnessing and experiencing the divine presence and power of the deities and saints, as well as the miracles and wonders that happen at Kataragama.
The most important festival of Kataragama temple is the annual festival of Kataragama, or Esala Perahera, that is held in July or August, during the full moon day of the month of Esala, according to the lunar calendar. The annual festival of Kataragama is a grand and glorious event that lasts for fifteen days and nights, and attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over Sri Lanka and abroad. The annual festival of Kataragama is a colorful and vibrant procession of the images of Lord Skanda and his consorts, Valli and Devasena, who are carried on the backs of elephants, and accompanied by the priests, the dancers, the musicians, the acrobats, the flag bearers, and the devotees. The procession starts from the Maha Devale and goes around the town and the temple, passing through the four entrance gates, and stopping at the various shrines, temples, and buildings, where the images are worshipped and offered. The procession ends at the Maha Devale, where the images are placed back in their chambers. The procession is held every night for fifteen nights, and each night the procession becomes longer and larger, with more elephants, more performers, and more devotees. The last night of the procession is the most spectacular and magnificent, as the procession reaches its climax and finale.
The annual festival of Kataragama is also a time of celebration and enjoyment for the devotees, who participate in various activities and events, such as the fire walking, the kavadi dance, the animal sacrifice, the offering, the bathing, and the camping. The devotees, who come from different parts of Sri Lanka and abroad, also mingle and interact with each other, and share their stories and experiences of Kataragama. The devotees, who stay in the town and the temple for the duration of the festival, also enjoy the beauty and the serenity of the town and the temple, and feel the spiritual and the cultural vibes of Kataragama.
The annual festival of Kataragama is a unique and amazing experience that showcases the diversity and the unity of the people of Sri Lanka, as well as the devotion and the faith of the people of Kataragama. It is a festival that celebrates the legend and the miracle of Lord Skanda and his consorts, and their love and compassion for their devotees. It is a festival that you should not miss if you are looking for a spiritual and cultural adventure in Sri Lanka.
Attractions
Kataragama is not only a sacred town, but also a scenic and charming town that has many attractions and destinations that you can explore and enjoy. Kataragama is surrounded by nature and wildlife, and has many national parks, lakes, rivers, and forests that you can visit and experience. Kataragama is also a historical and cultural town, and has many monuments, museums, and landmarks that you can visit and learn. Kataragama is also a lively and vibrant town, and has many markets, shops, restaurants, and hotels that you can visit and indulge. Kataragama is a town that has something for everyone, and you will never get bored or disappointed in Kataragama.
Some of the attractions and destinations that you can visit in and around Kataragama are:
- Kiri Vehera: A large white stupa that is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, and also a place of worship for the Hindus and the devotees of Lord Skanda. The stupa is said to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha and is revered by the Buddhists. The stupa is also said to be the place where Lord Skanda and Valli spent their honeymoon and is worshipped by the Hindus. The stupa is also said to be the place where King Dutugemunu and his army rested and prayed before their battle with King Elara and is worshipped by the Sinhalese. The stupa is a beautiful and majestic structure that is 95 feet high and 280 feet in circumference. The stupa is surrounded by a wall and a moat and has four entrance gates. The stupa is also adorned with carvings, paintings, and statues that depict the life and teachings of the Buddha and the legends of Lord Skanda. The stupa is a place of peace and tranquility, and you can feel the spiritual and historical vibes of Kataragama.
- Manik Ganga: A sacred river that flows from the Adam's Peak, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, and passes through the town and the temple of Kataragama. The river is believed to have healing and purifying properties and is used for bathing and offering by the pilgrims. The river is also a place of fun and recreation, and you can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, and picnicking on the banks of the river. The river is also a place of beauty and nature, and you can enjoy the scenic views of the mountains, the forests, and the wildlife that surround the river. The river is a place of joy and happiness, and you can feel the refreshing and relaxing vibes of Kataragama.
- Yala National Park: A large and famous national park that is located near the town and the temple of Kataragama. The park is one of the best places to see the wildlife and the biodiversity of Sri Lanka, and has many animals, birds, plants, and trees that you can see and admire. The park is home to the largest population of leopards in the world, and you can spot them in their natural habitat. The park also has elephants, bears, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, buffaloes, and many other animals that you can see and observe. The park also has many birds, such as peacocks, eagles, parrots, flamingos, and many other birds that you can see and hear. The park also has many plants and trees, such as palms, orchids, ferns, and many other plants and trees that you can see and smell. The park is a place of adventure and discovery, and you can enjoy safari, camping, hiking, and photography in the park. The park is a place of wonder and awe, and you can feel the wild and natural vibes of Kataragama.
- Lunugamvehera National Park: Another large and beautiful national park that is located near the town and the temple of Kataragama. The park is a part of the Greater Yala Conservation Area, and has a similar wildlife and biodiversity as the Yala National Park. The park is also a part of the Lunugamvehera Reservoir, which is a large and artificial lake that was built in 1995 to provide water and irrigation to the surrounding areas. The park is a place of conservation and preservation, and you can see and appreciate the efforts and initiatives that are taken to protect and enhance the environment and the ecosystem of Kataragama. The park is a place of education and awareness, and you can learn and understand the importance and the value of the nature and the wildlife of Kataragama.
- Bundala National Park: Another large and amazing national park that is located near the town and the temple of Kataragama. The park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar Wetland Site, and has a unique and diverse wildlife and biodiversity that you can see and enjoy. The park is especially known for its birdlife, and has over 200 species of birds, including migratory and endemic birds, that you can see and admire. The park is also known for its aquatic life, and has many fish, turtles, crabs, and other aquatic animals that you can see and observe. The park is also known for its scenic beauty, and has many lagoons, marshes, sand dunes, and forests that you can see and explore. The park is a place of attraction and fascination, and you can enjoy birdwatching, boating, fishing, and photography in the park. The park is a place of delight and wonder, and you can feel the colorful and lively vibes of Kataragama.
Tips
Kataragama is a town that welcomes and embraces everyone, and you can have a memorable and enjoyable time in Kataragama. However, there are some tips and suggestions that you should keep in mind and follow when you visit Kataragama, to make your trip more comfortable and convenient. Some of the tips and suggestions are:
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kataragama is during the annual festival of Kataragama, or Esala Perahera, that is held in July or August, during the full moon day of the month of Esala, according to the lunar calendar. This is the time when you can witness and experience the grand and glorious procession of the images of Lord Skanda and his consorts, and the various activities and events that are held during the festival. This is also the time when you can see and meet the devotees of different faiths and communities, who come to Kataragama to celebrate and worship. However, this is also the time when Kataragama is crowded and busy, and you may face some difficulties in finding accommodation and transportation. Therefore, you should plan and book your trip in advance, and be prepared for some inconveniences and delays. Alternatively, you can visit Kataragama during the off-season, when the town and the temple are less crowded and more peaceful, and you can enjoy the attractions and destinations at your own pace and comfort.
- How to reach: Kataragama is well-connected and accessible by various modes of transport, and you can choose the one that suits your budget and preference. The nearest airport to Kataragama is the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, which is about 40 km away from the town. The airport has domestic and international flights, and you can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Kataragama. The nearest railway station to Kataragama is the Hambantota Railway Station, which is about 50 km away from the town. The railway station has trains from Colombo and other major cities, and you can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to Kataragama. The nearest bus stand to Kataragama is the Kataragama Bus Stand, which is located in the town itself. The bus stand has buses from Colombo and other major cities, and you can take a bus to Kataragama. You can also drive to Kataragama by car or bike, and take the A2 highway from Colombo, which is about 240 km away from the town.
- Where to stay: Kataragama has many options and choices for accommodation, and you can find the one that fits your budget and preference. Kataragama has many hotels, guest houses, and resorts, that offer comfortable and luxurious rooms and facilities, such as air conditioning, wifi, swimming pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Some of the popular and recommended hotels in Kataragama are: Mandara Rosen, The Safari, Hotel Sunflower, and Kataragama Guest House. Kataragama also has many hostels, lodges, and camps, that offer cheap and basic rooms and facilities, such as fan, bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Some of the popular and recommended hostels, lodges, and camps in Kataragama are: Kataragama Lodge, Kataragama Hostel, Kataragama Camp, and Kataragama Safari Camp. Kataragama also has many ashrams, or religious retreats, that offer free or nominal rooms and facilities, such as bed, bathroom, and food. Some of the popular and recommended ashrams in Kataragama are: Kataragama Ashram, Kataragama Yoga Ashram, Kataragama Sivananda Ashram, and Kataragama Ramakrishna Ashram.
- What to wear: Kataragama is a religious and conservative town, and you should respect and follow the dress code and the etiquette of the town and the temple. You should wear modest and decent clothes that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing outfits. You should also remove your shoes, hats, and sunglasses before entering the temple complex, and leave them at the designated places or carry them with you. You should also avoid wearing leather items, such as belts, bags, or jackets, as they are considered impure and offensive by the Hindus. You should also avoid wearing black or red clothes, as they are considered unlucky and inauspicious by the devotees.
- What to offer: Kataragama is a town that appreciates and accepts your offerings and donations, and you can give whatever you can and want to the deities and the saints, as well as the priests and the caretakers. You can offer flowers, fruits, incense, milk, honey, or money to the deities and the saints, and place them on the altars or the images of the deities and the saints. You can also offer food, clothes, books, or toys to the priests and the caretakers, and give them to them personally or leave them at the donation boxes or the counters. You can also offer your services, skills, or talents to the town and the temple, and volunteer to help in the cleaning, maintenance, or organization of the town and the temple. You can also offer your prayers, praises, or songs to the deities and the saints, and chant, sing, or recite them in front of the deities and the saints.
Conclusion
Kataragama is a sacred town of Sri Lanka with a rich history and culture, and a place that you should visit if you are looking for a spiritual and cultural experience in Sri Lanka. Kataragama is a town that has a lot to offer and explore, and you can learn and enjoy the history, legend, architecture, rituals, festivals, and attractions of Kataragama. Kataragama is a town that welcomes and embraces everyone, and you can feel the diversity and the unity of the people of Sri Lanka, as well as the devotion and the faith of the people of Kataragama. Kataragama is a town that you will never forget and always cherish, and a place that you will want to visit again and again.
Book your trip to Kataragama today and discover the wonders of this holy town. Have you ever visited Kataragama? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.