Kataragama Temple is a highly sacred pilgrimage center sacred for not only Hindus and Buddhists, but also for Muslims, and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. Kataragama Temple is a group of monuments of which the most important one is the Maha Devale or Maha Kovil. Kataragama is located in Monaragala District of Uva province, around 228 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
Temple Deities
This shrine is dedicated to Skanda-Murugan known amongst the Sinhalese as Kataragama deviyo. Maha Devale does not have any idol of deity; instead it holds a powerful Yantra. In the adjoining room, devotees can worship a statue of Lord Shiva, who is popularly known in Sri Lanka as Karanduva. A small shrine of Lord Ganesh can be seen nearby. Ganesha is known as Ganapatidevio or Manica Pillaiyar by local people. A shrine of Lord Vishnu can be seen to the left of Ganesha temple. An image of Buddha is also installed inside the Vishnu Devale. A large Bo tree can be seen behind Buddha’s statue. The temple also houses the Kiri Vehera Buddhist Stupa.
Temples of Goddess Kali, Pattini, Managaradevio, Dedimunda and Suniyam are located near the western wall of the main complex. The shrine of Goddess Tevayani, managed by Sankara Mutt from Sringeri India, is located beyond the northern gate. The shrine of Goddess Valli is located in front of the Muslim mosque.
The tomb of Kalayangiri Swamy, known amongst Tamils as Mutuligaswamy kovil or Siva Devale, is located within the mosque.
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