The home of legendary god Skanda commonly known as god Kataragama
Kataragama is one of the ancient cities and a multi religious and multi cultural site where hundreds of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims amidst foreign travellers visit daily throughout the year. Kataragama is a clean small city with wide roads and pathways, shops, markets and most popularly known for the historic Menik ganga (River of Gems) where all pilgrims make it a point to perform a ritualistic bath before visiting the holy shrines to worship the deities. The river is known for its ability to purify and heal and bless those who bathe in it with prosperity. This holy city is the home of the once human and later turned god Skanda known in so many other names and venerated by all who visit the holy city. There are many legends and tales behind god Skanda also widely known as Kataragama deviyo. Hindus identify him as lord Muruga. Kataragama is in close proximity to the famous wild life national park, Yala. Most locals and tourists make it a point to visit Kataragama combined together with their Yala safari tour. Saraii Village Sri Lanka is one of the top Yala hotels ideal for Safari lodgers providing convenience and comfort in the middle of the rough terrain of the Yala national park.
Furthermore since the origins of this god are coming from Hindu background, there is a special Kovil dedicated for god Kataragama that everyone makes it a point to visit and worship. This is located in the precinct of the historic Kataragama vihara complex, where shrines of veneration have been built for god Kataragama, Vishnu, Saman and Ganesha. Apart from them, the Kataragama Bo tree and Buddhist Monastery are other historic places of worship and for taking vows in the vihara complex.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.
