Sacred to Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and several Vedda people of Srilanka, Kataragama is a religiously important town in Srilanka that invites pilgrims from across the globe. Kataragama has seen pilgrims and tourist visiting from Southern part of India especially Tamilnadu. Home to the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama temple, the shrine is dedicated to Skanda Murugan god. Kataragama was once a small village in ancient times however today it seeing a lot of rampant development. Despite being surrounded by forest the development in the region is at a rampant high.
Kataragama over the years has seen a lot of development and commuting facilities however despite the amenities available, believers and pilgrims decided to take follow the ancient practice of walking on foot to offer their prayers
Things to do and places of attraction
- Kataragama is home to the famous Kiri Vehara Buddhist stupa. The Vehera has several inscriptions and ruins that make you wonder about the period it came into existence.
- Within the temple complex you will also find a mosque showcasing the religious unity in the sacred town of Kataragama
- The holy shrine of Kataragama is known as Katirkamam by the Srilankan Tamils and South Indian Tamils
- The Buddhist Kataragama is known for the Bodhi tree sapling under which Lord Buddha sat and received enlightenment, was brought to Anuradhapura nearly 2000 years back. The Bodhi tree behind the temple is believed to be one of the eight saplings that were planted in 3rd century BC. The Buddhist Kiri Vehera Dagoba is located very close to the Hindu temple that was built by king Mahasena. The Sinhala Buddhists believe that Lord Buddha helped sanctify Kataragama. The Dagoba’s positioning is believed to be built right where the king sat down and heard Lord Buddha’s discourse. Kataragama is one of the 16 important religious places for Buddhist believers.
Adjoining the Vehera is the famous Yala national park.
- Kataragama is a place of pilgrimage and is a sacred city known for its diverse religious unity.
- The local river named Manik Ganga holds religious importance as does the Ganga in India. It is believed that a bath taken in the river purifies your soul. The river water is believed to be high in medicinal properties and dues to its high gem content it is concluded that the river water is therapeutic and has healing capabilities. Additionally the surrounding trees also have several medicinal properties and their roots contribute to the healing abilities of the water. Hence both scientifically and religiously the river Manik Ganga holds a lot of significance in the soul cleansing ritual pilgrims come here believing in.
- During the months of July and august Kataragama is known for its festivals. Fire walking rituals and annual perahera are scared festivals celebrated in Srilanka.
