Kataragama is a special place in Sri Lanka. It is located in the southern jungles of Sri Lanka. This town is a place where people from religions come together. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the indigenous Vedda communities all travel to Kataragama to pay respect to Kataragama Deviyo. You can always hear the sound of bells ringing people chanting and the smell of burning camphor in there. For people who want to learn about traditions and mysticism Kataragama is a great place to visit.

The Story of Skanda and Valli

The spiritual energy of Kataragama comes from stories about love and war. In Hindu tradition the main deity is Lord Skanda, who’s the God of War. He left the heavens. Came to Sri Lanka to find peace. Here he met a girl named Valli, who  raised  the people  lived in the forest. They fell in love. Got married in the hills of Sella Kataragama. Today people respect their love as a symbol of love that goes beyond caste, race and earthly boundaries.

The Heart of the Holy Place

The main temple in there is the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. The temple is not very big. Has a secret room that is hidden by a curtain. Near the temple there is a stupa called Kiri Vehera, where Gautama Buddha is said to have meditated. There is also a mosque and some Hindu shrines nearby. All these places exist together in harmony, which makes Kataragama a special place.

Rituals and Devotion

When people visit Kataragama they start from washing themselves in the Menik Ganga river to clean their body and soul. Inside the temple people break coconuts to get rid of their negative energy. The town becomes very lively during the Esala Festival with people dancing and carrying frames. Some people even walk on fire without feeling any pain.

Tips for Visitors

To visit there you have to travel to the part of Sri Lanka. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees and white clothes  preferred. There are guesthouses in the town but you can also stay in luxury safari lodges nearby. Combining your visit, to Kataragama with a wildlife safari will give you an experience of Sri Lankas natural and cultural beauty.