KATARAGAMA TEMPLE

The sacred area of Kataragama is located in a large park to the north of the city. It is separated from the city by the Menik Ganga, the watercourse used by devotees for their ablutions, by temple elephants to wash themselves and by others to search for precious stones! The sacred area contains several sanctuaries, including the Maha Devale (Hindu) and the Kiri Vehara (Buddhist). The area is very busy, and the fervor of the pilgrims is touching. Remember to remove your shoes in the area around the prayer sites.

Maha Devale. Situated in the center of the sacred area, this richly decorated sanctuary is dedicated to the god Murugan (one of the two sons of Shiva, god of war) and preserves his spear. Two Bodhi trees stand within the enclosure. Collective puja on Saturdays at 9.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m.

Kiri Vehara. Located at the northern end of the sacred perimeter, this gigantic, immaculately white stupa is dedicated to Buddha. Numerous donations have enabled recent improvements to be made around the edifice. Group puja are held on Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m.

Other locations. At the start of the main walkway from the Menik Ganga to the Maha Devale, you pass two small temples (including the Sivam Kovil, dedicated to Ganesh) and the Masjad ul-Khizr mosque. Shortly before reaching the Maha Devale, on the right is the Kataragama Museum & Information Center, the site's archaeological museum. Other minor temples can be found along the way.