Eco Culture Tours
Sri Lanka Map

Katharagama Devalaya

The jungle shrine of Kataragama located an hours drive away from Yala National Park and has great religious and historical significance that cuts across race and religion that brings together Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians each day to worship at its numerous temples of all faiths located within the sacred city. The town has Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya, a shrine dedicated to the God of Kataragama. Kataragama is situated in the Monaragala District of Uva province, Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by jungle in the South Eastern region of Sri Lanka. The town has a venerable history dating back to the second century B.C, It also was the seat of government of many Sinhalese kings during the days of Rohana kingdom.

At Kataragama Temple Pooja to please God will be held every morning and evening but the best one is the evening pooja commence 7.00 PM every day. You can see everything that is going on at this traditional Pooja. Devotees queuing to make their offerings in the temples with their big trays of fruit to offer to the God. Much noise and clanging whilst a red carpet leads the way for the principal offerings to be made. Usually an ornate procession in itself. Devotees also carrying coconuts which set alight. Devotees stand and make wishes in front of a small area before hurling the coconut inside. If it smashes, and it generally does, so stand back ... it is supposed to be good luck. Similarly, if it doesn't, it represents bad luck. It’s a common sight to experience that how devotees rolling around the floor of the temple complex in a ritual.

Visiting Kataragama, is one of the most exciting and visually splendid places in Sri Lanka.