Kataragama Tour Packages

The Kataragama myth appears in Sri Lankan history as early as the late centuries before the Common Era, leaving little question regarding its antiquity. According to oral tradition, the god-king predates the advent of either Sinhalese or Tamil. He is a god of wits, humanly accessible to those who understand his method of operation and how to find him. By the 15th century, the town had become a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus from India and Sri Lanka. In the 16th century, Pali chronicles of Thailand such as Jinkalmali recounted the popularity of the god at the Kataragama temple.

What is Lord Kataragama's background?

Sri Lankan history kataragama image result Kataragama deviyo (also known as Skanda Kumara, Kartikeya, Sinhala: ) is a Sri Lankan guardian god. Kataragama device is a prominent deity who is revered for her strength, and temples devoted to her may be found throughout the country.

Who is Kataragama Deviyo's wife?

According to Hindu mythology, he married Devasena, the daughter of God Indra, who ruled over three hundred and thirty million lesser gods. According to another legend, he had two more wives, Thevaniamma and Valliamma.

Who designed and constructed the Kataragama temple?

The end outcome
According to another version, the Karatagama temple dates back to the 2nd century BC and is linked to King Dutugemunu. The Kataragama temple was built as homage to the deity for his assistance in helping the king subdue the waters of the Menik Ganga or Menik river.

Kataragama Temple's Importance

Because of its historical significance and religious significance, Kataragama Temple stands out among the island's temples. The temple's worshipers come from three primary ethnic groups: Buddhists, Hindus, and the Veddah people. Kataragama temple is also a popular site for Indian tourists, as the Kataragama God is said to have arrived from India. Even though Kataragama temple has no direct connection to Ramayana, it is featured on most Ramayana Sri Lanka itineraries. These Ramayana excursions are especially for Indian tourists, and the tour allows them to see several major locations described in the Ramayana.

Kataragama temple is divided into four primary sections: Buddhist temples supervised by Buddhist monks, temples and shrines dedicated to various deities, and shrines.

Cult of Kataragama

Device Valli was said to be the daughter of a Vedda chief from Kataragama in the south of the island, according to legend. Murukan's religion was grafted onto the Skanda-Kumara worship that was prominent in Sri Lanka. Worshippers make a hard trek through the forests on foot to fulfill their vows to the deity. He is acknowledged as a protective deity and shrines may be found in practically all Sinhala Buddhist villages and towns.

Various Kataragama temple tales

There are several old legends associated with the deity Kataragama. Uma, the goddess, had two children. Ganesh or Ganadevi was the older, while Kanda Kumara or God Kataragama was the younger. Ganesh was the most intellectual of the two and was so regarded as the God of Wisdom. A mango fruit dropped from the mango tree in front of Uma's house one day. Ganesh and Skanda both raced to get it. The father then stated that the one who sprints around the salty ocean and arrives at the location first can pick up the fruit. Ganesh, who possessed wisdom, reasoned that the coconut shell carrying salt water was also salty, so he rushed around the coconut shell containing salt and scooped it up.

Pada Yatra to Kataragama Temple every year

Pada Yatra is an annual event in which thousands of Hindu worshippers parade from the eastern portions of Sri Lanka to Kataragama in the southwest. Even though the majority of Pada Yatra pilgrims come from the eastern section of the island, there were numerous participants from the island's northernmost tip in the past. The occurrence is part of a historic custom known as Pada Yatra, in which Hindu worshippers trek from Eastern Sri Lanka to the Kataragama shrine in deep south Sri Lanka. Every year, hundreds of thousands of devotees walk across Panama and Yala National Park. The trek takes several days, sometimes more than a week, depending on the beginning place. The separation

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka following the Covid 19 outbreak?

Yes, traveling to Sri Lanka is now safe.

What exactly is Kataragama Province?

Kataragama is in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka's Uva Province.

In Kataragama, how many steps are there?

There are 1,355 steps.
Inside the Wedahitikanda temple, pilgrims were putting off their shoes to begin the holy climb of 1,355 stairs or purchasing a 350 rupee ticket to take the fast track to enlightenment in a vehicle, which entails gripping on for dear life and, as one pilgrim described it, the closest...

Who is the deity Kataragama?

Kataragama deviyo (also known as Skanda Kumara, Kartikeya, and Sinhala) is a Sri Lankan guardian god. Shrines devoted to Kataragama deviyo, a popular god who is thought to be exceedingly strong, may be found across the country.

TRUST IN KATARAGAMA DEVOTEES

The Kataragama Devotees Trust (KDT) is a non-profit, non-political organization created in 1988 by friends and devotees of various religions and ethnic origins. The KDT's objective is to increase awareness of Katara's rich cultural history while supporting and conserving its traditions.

Devotees Trust

The Kataragama Devotees Trust brings together Kataragama devotees from all walks of life who share a similar commitment to Kataragama's signature philosophy of unity within diversity. As a modern continuation of Kataragama's traditional traditions of dana (generosity) and Rajakariya ('royal service,' the KDT's unpaid volunteers offer their time, talents, and different resources. One such dana or sacrifice to Lord Kataragama and all followers is the KDT website Kataragama.org.

Created

The KDT has been in existence since 1988 when it was created to lead attempts to resurrect the traditional Kataragama Pada Yatra, which had been dormant since 1983 owing to ethnic violence. The present caretakers of the Kataragama Guru Parampara, without whose support the KDT would be without legitimacy, are among the KDT's allies. To promote a deeper awareness of our common history, as symbolized by Kataragama, to create peace, harmony, and understanding among all parts of society. To safeguard our holy artistic legacy by ensuring that traditional arts and crafts are taught, practiced, and encouraged at all levels of society. To encourage a truly living synthesis of East and West, tradition and modernity, for the common good. To encourage the investigation and wise application of the mind's hidden abilities.

Kataragama's Tourist Attractions

The following is a list of activities and tourist attractions in Kataragama.

• Chandrika Hotel
• Tissa Rd, Kataragama, Sri Lanka 91400
• Sunflower Hotel
• Kataragama, Sri Lanka, Depot Road
• Vikaavaiyum Kiri Vehera Kiri Veher Vellllai
• Sri Lanka's Kataragama
• Tours by Dim
• Kataragama, Sri Lanka, Tissamaharama Rd
• River's Edge Gem
• Sri Lanka, Keselkoratuwa,
• Sella Road,
• Mailagama,
• Kataragama,
• Kataragama

Kataragama

Kataragama, a pilgrimage town in Sri Lanka, is one of those sites in the globe where people of many religious backgrounds, including Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism, come together to pray. Another noteworthy aspect is that the indigenous Vedda people are also welcome to visit the Kataragama Temple for free. The temple, which is dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo or Skanda Kumara, is like the town's beating heart. The Buddhist community gathers here in particular to see the Kiri Vehera Stupa or shrine. Within the Temple, the complex is a Mosque, which is respected by Muslims. The city is rapidly urbanizing, surrounded by the beautiful woods of the Yala National Park.

Kataragama

In Kataragama city, the Kataragama Temple, Kiriwehera, and Sella kataragama are well-known sights. Kataragama Temple is a significant Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site. The Hindus call the god with six faces and twelve hands Skanda-Murukan or Subrahmanya, and the temple of Kataragama is devoted to him. Kataragama Deviyo is a Buddhist Guradish god who assists his students in need, according to Sinhalese Buddhists. Near this Kataragama temple, the Manik River (Manik Ganga) flows. Perahera Kataragama In July, there is a colorful event.

Festivals and ceremonies

Various cultural dancing festivals and ceremonies are included. In Kataragama temple, firewalking is also a popular event. One of the major goals of firewalking is to rid our bodies of ailments. Kiri Vehera is one of the Solosmasthana, Sri Lanka's 16 most important Buddhist pilgrimage destinations. This 95-foot stupa with a 280-foot diameter is located 800 meters north of the famed Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. Venerable Dhamminda Kobawaka.

Chief Prelate of Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya

The current Chief Prelate of Kirivehera Rajamaha Viharaya is Thera. In Kataragama, Sella Kataragama is a significant location. From Sella to Kataragama is around 4 miles. Skanda Kumar and Valliamma were seen here at a far distance, quickly in love. There are several Kovils in Sella Kataragama. Ganapathi Kovil, Siva Kovil, Kataragama Kovil, Valliamma Kovil, Lakshmi Kovil, and Saman Devalaya are the names of the temples.

Primary event

The shrine's primary event is a yearly procession with fire walkers and Kawadi dancers that takes place in July or August. Every day at 4.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m., offerings to the got are made. The small and lonely settlement of Kataragama is 19 kilometers inland from Tissamaharama. Kataragama is one of Sri Lanka's most prominent and sacred pilgrimage destinations. It draws Sinhalese Buddhists as well as Hindu Tamils, similar to Adam's Peak. Muslims and Christians alike go to the revered location.

Kataragama Attractions

Smaller cities have a certain allure that their bigger counterparts lack. Before you leave, research all of the fun things to see and do in Kataragama so you may see as much as possible during your trip. Bigger isn't necessarily better, as you'll soon discover!

• The greatest excursions and day trips will show you what makes Kataragama tick.
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 Dewalaya Kebiliththa

Kataragama, Kataragama, Kebiliththa Dewalaya Overview Lord Kataragama is said to be an incarnation of Kebiliththa Dewalaya, who is said to be a divine force of shifting spiritual energies. Even though the Kebiliththa Dewalaya is located in the forest of the Yala National Park, making it difficult to reach, many devotees travel there to seek the Lord's grace. The travel to Kebiliththa Dewalaya necessitates previous preparation, including a seven-day fast from meat and alcohol. In addition, it is critical to maintaining control On the way, one will come upon a little sapling cum tree, behind which lies the Lord Kataragama shrine. A drawing of Lord Kataragama as a god with six faces and twelve arms in profound concentration is found at the back of the tamarind tree and on the surface of the bark. The only thing lacking is his armament and finery.

Kris Vehera

The Kiri Vehera, commonly known as the "milk stupa," is located in Kataragama and is one of the sixteen holy sites visited by Buddha Shakyamuni. The Kiri Vehera represents a wonderful Hindu-Buddhist partnership. The friendship between Buddha Shakyamuni and Lord Murugan allowed peaceful cohabitation in the region between Buddhist and Hindu believers. The stupa is located in Kiir Vihara, the garden of the Kiir trees. The name was eventually altered to Kiri Vihara for convenience and pronunciation. King Mahasena is claimed to have built it in the sixth century. Many Buddhists visit the stupa to contemplate, which is 95 feet tall and has an 800-meter diameter. King Mahasena, a provincial king of the Kataragama area, is said to have built the stupa in the sixth century.

Kiri Vehera's Legend and History

The stupa's legend goes back to 580 BCE when Gautama Buddha visited the kingdom of Mahagama, which was governed by King Mahasena, after obtaining enlightenment. King Mahasena attained the stage of'sovan,' or the first stage of spiritual greatness, after listening to Buddha's Dharma doctrines. When the King discarded earthly pleasures, Buddha gave him a lock of his hair and a sword with which to cut it. Following this encounter, King Mahasena constructed a stupa on the location where Buddha sat to remember his visit and to preserve the lock of hair, sword, and golden seat used by Buddha to impart his teachings. Following this, King Mahasena promised to safeguard Buddhist teachings.

Bridge of Kinniya

Kataragama, Kinniya Bridge Overview
With a length of 396 meters, the Kinniya Bridge is renowned as Sri Lanka's longest bridge. It runs through the lagoon area bounded by Koddiyar Bay and Tambalagam Bay. The A15 roadway connects Trincomalee with Kinniya, allowing citizens to bridge the Kinniya lagoon and visit the Kinniya and Muttur districts. On October 20, 2009, the bridge was finished and opened to the public. President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the one who did it. The Manampitiya Bridge had previously been Sri Lanka's longest bridge. The Saudi Arabian government helped fund the construction of the bridge.

History of the Kinniya Bridge 

The Kinniya Bridge was completed in 2009. The major goal of this bridge's construction was to reopen the Trincomalee-Batticaloa route through Kinniya. This route had been closed for more than 30 years before it was reopened in 1998. It cost around 500 million rupees to create. The ferry service that ran through the Kinniya Lagoon was replaced by this bridge. Previously, people had to cross through the lagoon by boat, but the bridge has made vehicle traffic simpler. The ship used to run from early morning until late evening, and it could transport a large number of people and cars across the lagoon. It had its control station, which was situated a few feet above the deck.

Kinniya Bridge Attractions

While visiting the Kinniya Bridge, keep an eye out for the ancient and abandoned ferry on the bridge's side. At the site, boats are available. Tourists may rent a boat to take them across the lagoon, as well as under and around it. The cost of the boat journey is around LKR 600 per person. The boat cruises go from early morning through late at night.

Visit Kinniya Bridge with These Tips

The boat journey beneath the bridge is not effectively monitored by the authorities. Safety jackets are not always offered to tourists. If you plan on taking the boat journey, make sure you follow all safety precautions.

Kataragama is a Sri Lankan pilgrimage town

Kataragama is a Sri Lankan pilgrimage town significant to Buddhists, Hindus, and indigenous Veddas. South Indians also visit the temple to pray. The Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya, a shrine dedicated to Skanda-Murukan, also known as Kataragamadevio, can be found in the town. Kataragama is located in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka's Uva province. It is located 228 kilometers east of Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital. Kataragama was a little village in medieval times, but it is now a fast-growing township surrounded by rainforest in Sri Lanka's southern area.

Kiri Vehera.

It houses the ancient Buddhist stupa of Kiri Vehera. The town has a long history that dates back to the final millennia BCE. During the Rohana kingdom, it served as the seat of governance for several Sinhalese monarchs. Since the 1950s, successive governments have invested in public transit, medical facilities, commercial growth, and hotel services, among other things. It is adjacent to the well-known Yala National Park. HistoryAncient history The Kataragama area has provided evidence of human occupancy dating back at least 125,000 years. It has also revealed Mesolithic and Neolithic habitations.

Kataragama Temple is located in Kataragama.

Kataragama Temple is steeped in history, standing on land that has been revered for over 2,500 years and is supposed to have been dedicated by Gautama Buddha himself. The place is one of the few that is honored by Buddhists, Hindus, Moors, and Veddas, among others. Explore the collection of simple stone shrines that have been preserved in their original state. Look for the Skanda-Murugan temple, which has a depiction of the deity's skills as well as a tree that is supposed to have developed from a seedling of the famed Anuradhapura Bo tree. Because automobiles are not permitted beyond the gate, expect a short walk to the temples. Bring socks to protect your feet from the scorching earth when you remove your shoes.

Hotels in Kataragama

Due to the growing number of devotees, Katarama saw tremendous expansion in the latter half of the 1900s. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Kataragama temple every day, making it the most visited religious destination in Southern Sri Lanka. Due to the high volume of visitors, the region has seen an inflow of hotels, guest homes, and rest houses during the previous few decades. Kataragama can now accommodate guests in a variety of accommodations, ranging from premium boutique hotels to inexpensive homestays. Kataragama has a place for everyone, regardless of their budget. The majority of Kataragama hotels are situated near Kataragama temple, whereas the majority of Kataragama tourist hotels are located in Tissamaharama, 5 kilometers away.

Kataragama hotels with the greatest location

The sites you'll visit are coupled with the finest places to stay to give you a location score.

Luxury

• Lake Tamarindo Grande
• 91400 Kataragama, Sri Lanka Rajamaha Vihara Mawatha
• At Grand Tamarind Lake, you'll be treated like a star with world-class service.

Grand Tamarind Lake is located in Kataragama, 2.7 miles from Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya. It features a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. The 5-star hotel offers lake views from every room, as well as access to a communal lounge and a garden. The hotel offers visitors a 24-hour front desk as well as room service. Since August 2015, Grand Tamarind Lake Motel has been hosting Booking.com visitors for a two-person trip, with an 8.6 out of 10 for couples and a 9.5 for families. The motel is 2.5 kilometers from Yala National Park, and 35 kilometers from Lunugamvehera National Park. Free WiFi is available, and rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and complimentary amenities.

Budget

Agastya is located 700 meters from Kataragama Temple and 13 kilometers from Lunugamvehera National Park. The hostel has a garden and free private parking for those who drive to and from the resort. Since April 14, 2022, Agastya has been greeting Booking.com visitors.