Timing your visit to Kataragama around the pooja ceremonies is really important if you want to feel the true spiritual energy of Kataragama. These sacred ritual offerings are the moments when the temple curtains open the drums echo through the jungle and thousands of people gather to get blessings from the deity. If you visit outside of these hours you can see the architecture. You will miss the exciting part of this holy city, which is the pooja ceremony at Kataragama.

The Daily Pooja Schedule

The Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya has three pooja ceremonies every day at Kataragama. The first one starts at 4:30 AM, which’s a nice time because it is early morning and the town is still waking up. The second ceremony is at 10:30 AM. This is when a lot of people come to visit Kataragama. The exciting ceremony is in the evening at 6:30 PM, when they light oil lamps and burn incense which makes the whole place smell nice at Kataragama.

What to Expect During the Ritual

When the pooja starts you will hear the drums and trumpets which’s really loud. Then some temple priests will carry offerings to the part of the temple at Kataragama, where they will open the curtain for a little while. People will gather near the entrance with fruits, coconuts and flowers to be blessed at Kataragama. The chanting, bells and smoke from the camphor will create an atmosphere that will capture your attention at Kataragama.

Preparing Your Temple Offerings

If you want to be a part of the ritual at Kataragama you can buy a fruit basket from the stalls near the temple at Kataragama. These baskets have bananas, coconuts, mangoes and incense sticks and the price depends on the size of the basket at Kataragama. You give this basket to the temple priests during the pooja at Kataragama. They will take it inside break the coconut and give you some of the blessed fruit back at Kataragama.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

To have a visit to Kataragama you should come to the temple at least thirty minutes before the pooja time at Kataragama. You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees and do not forget to remove your shoes at the gate of Kataragama. You can take pictures in the courtyard. Also You cannot take pictures or videos inside the temple during the ritual, at Kataragama.

If you are planning to visit Kataragama at these times please tell me where you are coming from and if you will stay overnight at Kataragama so I can help you with the driving time and suggest places to stay at Kataragama.