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.

Devotees at 'Katharagama'/'Kathirkaamam', Sri Lanka.

The 'line-up' for the 'Pooja vattiya'.

The entrance to the 'Kovil'.

The old temple of 'Lord Muruga'.

An adjoining Buddhist Shrine.

The story is told of how Lord Muruga / Skanda Deviyo developed sores on his body and went away from his home and wife to wander in the wilderness. He came across the hut of a Veddha Cheiftain where his young daughter 'Valliamma' was living. He fell in love and was rejected by her. Ultimately Lord Muruga got his brother Lord Vinayaga the elephant-headed God to frighten Valli at an opportune moment taking the form of an elephant. The frightened Valli fell into the arms of Lord Muruga who happened to be present and was rescued by Him. Valli subsequently married Lord Muruga as his second wife.
To this day the 'Aaraathi Ammal' of the temple are females from the Veddha clan who address Lord Muruga as 'Machchaan'/ 'Massina'.
This Kovil is more than 2000 years old.

Sites at Katharagama S, Kathirkaamam T, Sri Lanka.

Sharing a meal.

The pop-corn vendor with infant in arms.

The 'Menik Ganga/ Manikka kangai'.