Found in the Monaragala District, the town of Kataragama draws in crowds of devotees belonging to all religions of Sri Lanka for one particular reason; the reason being the historic Kataragama Temple. Even those staying at a Sri Lanka beach resort such as Ranna212, a visit to this interesting shrine would not be too difficult. Such Tangalle hotels must be given some thought when one is deciding on places to stay at.
Venerated with belief that all their hardships would be eradicated, devotees flock in their numbers to pay homage to God Kataragama. In particular, one would do well to call at the temple during the time when the famous Kataragama Temple is in progress. Here visitors will be able to witness devotees of various religions honouring their respective deities by way of various offerings. According to the Hindu faith, the place is known as Katirkaman and is associated with Skanda Murukan while Buddhists are of the view that the ‘Kataragama Deviyo’ who is believed to be the guardian deity of Buddhism presides over all those arrive in the temple, seeking peace and reassurance. Even the indigenous people of Sri Lanka known as the ‘Vedda’ community make annual pilgrimages to the temple. One of the 8 saplings of the Sri Maha Bodhiya in Anuradhapura was planted behind the temple and one could capture the glorious sight of this sacred Bo tree. A sense of spiritual satisfaction would descend upon those who leave its premises.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.