Kataragama is a famous spot for pilgrimage
for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. This is a small town located at a distance
of about 238 Km from Colombo. This city is referred as Katirkamam. Often it is
also known as Katharagama.
The main shrine of Kataragama is devoted to
Hindu God Skanda. He is depicted as a god with 6 faces and 12 hands. This
shrine is supposed to be built during 2nd century B.C. Centering this shrine of
Skanda, an annual festival is observed in month of July or August. A long
procession is also taken out during celebrating this religious event.
Within the temple premises of Kataragama an
Islamic mosque has been built. Besides the principal shrine of Kataragama,
there are 2 more shrines in the complex. One of them is dedicated to Hindu god,
Lord Vishnu and the other to Lord Ganesha.
Kataragama is one of the principal pilgrimage
sites for Buddhists. Kiri Vehera Dagoba is situated in Kataragama. According to
the Buddhist legends, it is believed that Lord Buddha met King Mahasena who
ruled Kataragama during that time. Thus, Sinhalese Buddhists consider
Kataragama to be sanctified by Lord Buddha’s visits. The Kiri Vehara Dagoba has
been built at the spot where King Mahasena listened to the discourses of Lord
Buddha. 
No comments:
Post a Comment