Kataragama Temple, Srilanka

Address

Kataragama Temple, Srilanka

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya,

Kataragama 91400,

Sri Lanka

Moolavar

 Kathirkaman (Lord Murugan)

Introduction

Location and Significance:

• The Kataragama Temple is a revered site for Hindus, Buddhists, and the Veddas in Sri Lanka.
• It is considered one of the most secular temples in the country due to its multi-religious nature, housing shrines for Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim worship.
• The temple complex is dedicated to the Buddhist guardian deity Kataragama ‘deviyo’ and War God Murugan (also known as Kartikeya).

Historical Background:

• Kataragama began as a small village nestled between the jungle in ancient and medieval times.
• The first mention of the temple dates back to the 15th century, referenced in the devotional poems of Arunagirinathar, which mention Kataragama ‘deviyo’ residing on top of a mountain as the guardian deity of Sri Lanka.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple’s main shrine is dedicated to Murugan (Skanda), the chief warrior of the celestial gods.
• Lord Murugan is mentioned in Sangam literature and was considered the protector of Sri Lanka.
• One legend narrates how Skanda-Kumara, seeking refuge in Sri Lanka, was rejected by the Tamils, leading to their punishment through body piercing and fire walking during the annual festival.

Special Features:

• The temple complex contains stone shrines built to preserve the original state of the ancient site, with minimal decoration.
• Maha Devale (Maha Kovil): The most important shrine dedicated to Murugan, known as Kataragama ‘deviyo’.
• The temple’s memorial features a Yantra (a religious drawing) symbolizing the deity’s power, rather than a traditional idol.
• Other shrines in the temple complex include:
  • Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha statues.
  • A statue of Lord Vishnu and Gautama Buddha.
  • A Bodhi tree grown from a Bo sapling.
• Outside the temple, there is a Kedamba tree, sacred to Murugan.

Festivals:

• The annual festival at Kataragama takes place from July to August to celebrate the glory of Murugan and the marriage of the Vedda princess.
• Known as Eshele Perehera, the festival lasts for several weeks.
  • Preparation: About 45 days before the festival, priests venture into the jungle to find two forked branches of the sacred tree, which are later immersed into the river and dedicated to the deity.
  • During the main festival, the deity is paraded through the streets, accompanied by priests who conduct rituals while covering their mouths with a white cloth.
  • Rituals: Devotees engage in fire walking, body piercing, and ecstatic dance forms called Kavadi, demonstrating their devotion.

Cultural and Religious Unity:

• The Kataragama Temple’s unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim elements makes it a symbol of religious harmony in Sri Lanka.

Century/Period

15th Century

Nearest Bus Station

Kathirgamam

Nearest Railway Station

Colombo

Nearest Airport

Colombo

Location on Map

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