About half an hour before reaching Kataragama, it is worth looking out again, as the view changes into a different setting that signals the approach to the town.
Kataragama is a small town in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka, well known for its long history of religion and spirituality. It is a sacred place not only for Buddhists but also for Hindus, Muslims, and the indigenous Vedda people. This is why Kataragama is regarded as one of the must-visit cultural spots in Sri Lanka.
The Menik Ganga river, which flows through the town, is considered holy and reflects the deep religious significance tied to Kataragama (THINGS TO DO IN NEGAMBO). The town is also home to Kataragama Temple, one of the most important sites in the area, making it a key part of things to see in Kataragama.
Temple
Ruins in Kataragama
Within about
half an hour of entering Kataragama, hidden temple ruins can be seen along the
roadside or a little deeper inside, though still visible from the road. The
history of these temples is unknown, which raises questions about whether the
temples were abandoned or left to decay for particular reasons.
Some of the
ruins are just stone pillars leaning or fallen, while other temple structures
remain solid, though faded and worn down. One can only imagine what might have
taken place in these temples long ago. These hidden temple ruins are among the
unique things to do in Kataragama.
Even in their current state, the temple ruins are admirable. The structures still reflect the strength and significance of Kataragama’s ancient history. These silent temples stand as reminders of the town’s long connection with religion and spirituality through the ages.
Buddha Statues
& Buddhist Temples in Kataragama
Throughout
Kataragama, there are numerous Buddha statues, whether along the road, inside
residential areas, or even at the entrance of budget hotels. The statues come
in various sizes and are a clear symbol of Kataragama as a religious place.
Some are protected in glass casings, while others remain in their original
form.
Statues are found at the entrance of smaller Buddhist temples, which are still active, with chanting and prayers taking place. Monks can often be seen walking in and out, while devotees enter to pray and leave after. Although these temples may not be the most famous or significant in Kataragama, they still contribute to the town’s religious, spiritual, and cultural importance.
Vedasitikanda
Temple Location
Vedasitikanda
Raja Maha Viharaya sits just outside Kataragama town in southern Sri Lanka,
within the Monaragala District of Uva Province. The temple is about 4
kilometers southeast of the town center. From nearby boutique hotels, it’s
roughly a 20-minute walk from the main road straight to the temple entrance.
Wedihiti Kanda
Temple History
A lesser-known
temple among tourists but highly revered by locals, Vedasitikanda Temple, also
called Wedihiti Kanda Temple, has stood for centuries. It is a sacred site
where Buddhism and Hinduism come together, reflecting Kataragama’s shared
religious heritage.
Wedihiti Kanda
(Wedahiti Kanda) is a rocky hill where there are several shrines. It is closely
linked to the deity Kataragama, known in Hinduism as Skanda or Lord Murugan.
Folklore says the deity once lived here. Legend also tells that after Prince
Dutugemunu defeated King Elara, the deity marked the spot atop the hill where
the Kataragama Devalaya was later built.
Reaching the
Temple
Walking Up to
Mount Wedahiti Kanda
Most probably,
for those paying pilgrimage, it involves walking up to the mountain top to
reach the temple. The climb is steep and rocky, challenging even for others. On
a hot day, it can be exhausting, so wearing good footwear and carrying water is
essential.
Jeep Ride to
Wedahiti Kanda Summit
There is a jeep
ride option for those who prefer not to walk. Tickets are purchased at the
entrance for the open-air jeep ride. Passengers sit side by side with locals in
a fully packed jeep, holding on tight as the jeep climbs the bumpy, steep road
to the temple summit.
At the Summit
At the top, there is a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Skanda, and another for Lord Ishwara, along with smaller shrines. After offering prayers, it’s worth taking a moment to look around. The view stretches across Uva and Hambantota provinces, with the Kataragama Devalaya below and the distant Indian Ocean on the horizon, a breathtaking panoramic view.
Ruhunu Maha
Kataragama Devalaya/Kataragama Temple
Perhaps the
best time to be at Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, commonly known as
Kataragama Temple, is in the later part of the evening. The air is cooler, yet
the religious atmosphere continues with devotion and rituals. Dedicated to Lord
Kataragama, a deity worshipped by Buddhists, Hindus, and the indigenous Vedda
people, Kataragama Temple is one of the most important religious sites in Sri
Lanka.
Attracting
thousands of devotees throughout the year, Kataragama Temple is a must-see in
Sri Lanka. During the annual Esala Festival, the crowds grow even larger as
people gather to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and protection through
rituals, offerings, and prayers.
Kataragama
Temple in Sri Lanka stands out as one of the few places where different faiths
worship together. For Buddhists, it is tied to King Dutugemunu, who received
blessings from Lord Kataragama before uniting the country. Hindus revere the
deity as Lord Murugan or Skanda, the god of war and wisdom, honoring him with
rituals and processions.
Muslims are
drawn to the nearby mosque and shrine of al-Khidr, while the Vedda people also
hold the site sacred. Pilgrims come from all over Sri Lanka and even from South
India. For travellers who include Kataragama Temple as part of their Sri Lanka
tour, it is a great eye-opener to how different faiths and religious beliefs
can come together for meaningful spirituality.