Description of the attraction
Kataragama is the Hindu god of war. He is revered by making pilgrimages to the city of the same name with a temple dedicated to him, not only during the full moon of Esala, but also at any time when a believer - Buddhist or Hindu - wants to be blessed in a new undertaking, even such an ordinary one as buying a new car.
The sanctuary, located on the left bank of the Menik Ganges, has always been Hindu. According to legend, King Dutugemunu rebuilt the original sanctuary to fulfill a vow made after the overthrow of the Tamil ruler Elara in Anuradhapura. It is dedicated to Skanda, the Hindu god of war, who is also called Kali Yuga Varatar, or Subrahmanya, or Karititaya. It is said that he came to the island to fight the opponents of the gods and, having defeated them in Velpur - present Kalutara - remained in Kataragama.
The modern temple is a large complex, to which believers come along a wide street with offerings - flowers and fruits. Time and tradition, as well as tangible efficacy, have made the temple one of the sacred sites in Sri Lanka. Many Southerners, convinced of the beneficial influence of the deity, travel to Kataragama to perform a puja (offering) before embarking on plans for the future.
The traditional ritual includes bathing in Menik Ganga, after which you need to change into clean clothes and walk a few hundred meters to the temple. It is a simple, rectangular white building with carved wooden doors facing east. The walls inside are covered with centuries-old soot from burning oil lamps and candles. Part of the interior of the temple is fenced off with a curtain, only a priest can enter.
