On the road to Tissa from Katharagama, Sri Lanka.

Wayside boutique selling local produce, Katharagama/Kathirkaamam, Sri Lanka.

An empty vegetable stall.

Fire-wood for sale. Most local pilgrims cook their food over a hearth of three stones.

Cotton for use in pillows for sale.

A vegetable and fruit stall.

Leaving Katharagama/Kathirkaamam, Sri Lanka.

'Sivan Kovil'/ Temple of 'Easwara Deviyo'

On the bridge crossing the Menic Ganga/ Maanikka kangai.

Waiting for alms.

On the highway out of Katharagama/Kathirkaamam.

Sights near Kirivehera, Katharagama, Sri Lanka.

Statue dedicated to King Dutagamini.

There is a legend which says that King Dutugemunu requested victory in war from Skanda Deviyo at the hillock called Vedihitikanda where there was a Kovil to Lord Skanda. The Deviyo had told Gamini to shoot an arrow at the plain below. Gamini was instructed to build a Dewala for him in the spot where he found the arrow. Gamini did this and this is said to be the origin of Katharagama the sacred city, with a history going back more than 2000 years.

Going under the belly of an elephant, Katharagama, Sri Lanka.

Circumbulating the forelegs of an elephant is supposed to ward off the evil-eye and make one brave. This is according to the 'Mahouts' who stand by. It costs Rs.100/- for each person. I remember doing the same when I was a youngster, in the early 1940s at a Fair at Ferguson High School Rathnapura, Sri Lanka. It cost my father 10 cents of those glorious years.