Kataragama: Welcome to Sri Lanka`s Holiest Town

People are all praise for Sri Lanka`s virgin beaches, but t most of the people miss out on its spiritual places. Although the country has a fair share of spiritual temples and sacred places that are equally scattered in every nook and corner of Sri Lanka, there is this one place that deserves a special mention –Kataragama.

 Kataragama is a pilgrimage town which is sacred to Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka alike. Not only to locals, but people from South India also go there to worship. This popular town is the holiest and a compelling mix of pomp and procession along with religious extravagance. Along with Adam`s Peak, the town is also famous to Kataragama temple, which is dedicated to Skanda Kumara who is also famously known as Kataragama deviyo.

Anyone who is interested to witness the magic from the mythology coming alive must apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa. The place is absolutely worth a visit as it is that place where the outlandish legends become solid facts. Apart from the Kataragama temple, there are following places you can visit:

MAHA DEVALE- Maha Devale is one of the most important shrines in Kataragama. Dedicated to Murugan (Skanda), the temple boasts of the six-faced lance, 12 armed Hindu war God, who is seen as identical to Kataragama Deviyo. Locals gather every morning and evening to offer their prayers.

KIRIVEHARA- Another ancient stupa that is situated in Kataragama is believed to be built during the reign of King Mahasena (AD 276-303). Dating back to 6^th century, it is one of the most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the country. Standing at 95 feet with a circumference of 280 feet, it is one of the 16 most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites of ancient Sri Lanka.

UL-KHIZR MOSQUE- The second holy site that you will encounter when you pass through the holy compound is Ul- Khizr Mosque. This beautiful mosque features vibrant tile work with intricate details and wooden lintels and the tombs of the two holy men who hailed from India and Central Asia.

Anyone who wants to experience the colorful and cheerful festivals of Sri Lanka can visit the place in July and August as the Kataragama Festival draws thousands of pilgrims. Apart from the festival time, the town witnesses large number of people during weekends and on full moon days. You can easily visit the town from Tissa. So apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa to experience the religious side of this otherwise quiet and serene Sri Lanka. For more visas related information visit www.sri-lankaeta.com.