Katharagama is a sacred city in Yala and holds profound religious and cultural significance for many communities in Sri Lanka. Located about four kilometres from the Yala National Park, Kataragama has a spiritual allure around the city with its many temples, kovils, and statutes.
Kataragama has evolved from a humble town into a revered pilgrimage site, drawing devotees from diverse religious backgrounds, including Buddhists, Hindus, and Veddas, the indigenous hunter-gatherers of Sri Lanka. This unique convergence of faiths underscores the town’s sacred status as a symbol of unity and spiritual harmony in Sri Lanka.
For Sri Lanka’s faithful, the Ruhunu Katharagama Devalaya temple, dedicated to the revered Kataragama Deviyo (God Kataragama), is a sacred and mystical temple in the city. The temple’s origins lie in mystery, with its establishment speculated to date back to the 12th or 15th century. Despite time, the temple continues to serve as a sacred sanctuary, invoking reverence and awe among visitors.
Each year, Kataragama Devalaya hosts a grand festival, typically held between July and August, attracting devotees who embark on a sacred pilgrimage to the temple. The pilgrimage, spanning two weeks, involves traversing various religious sites before culminating in a blissful reunion at the temple. The atmosphere during this auspicious occasion is electrifying, with devotees partaking in vibrant festivities, including traditional dances, fire coal walking and body piercings seeking penance and in honour of the god.
Kataragama’s most important shrine is said to contain Lord Katharagama’s lance. Devotees engage in daily worship at the temple’s blessing times. Outside this shrine are two large boulders, against which pilgrims smash burning coconuts while chanting prayers to invoke blessings.
Opened in 2008, the Museum is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the many relics and ancient artefacts around Kataragama’s rich archaeological deposits. The museum has four main exhibits featuring the artefacts of Kataragama, Buddhist artefacts, Stone and ceramic artefacts, and the cultural heritage of Kataragama.
A Hindu shrine and the most important temple dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, the site is popular with devotees seeking prosperity in their lives. There is a beautiful statue dedicated to the Goddess at the temple.
Believed to have been built in the 3rd century B.C. by King Mahasen, this temple is included in the “Solosmasthana,” one of the most important 16 places for Buddhists to pilgrimage. Standing at 91 feet and 278 feet in circumference, the dagoba is a pristine pure white stupa.
A place of legend, the temple has many stories about its origin, relating to Lord Katharagama. The hill offers a fantastic view of the top of the surrounding landscape. Most devotees who climb this hill chat special prayers, and they usually observe vegan diets and avoid alcohol for weeks before they make the trek here due to its spiritual reverence.
Kataragama Museum
35 Tissa Road, Kataragama
Opening Hours: Sunday to Saturday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Tickets: $ 6 per adult (Prices current as of October 2024)
Website: https://www.ccf.gov.lk/destinations/kataragama-museum/
Email: ccfinform@gmail.com
Phone: +94 11 2 587 912