Maha Devale

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This is Kataragama's most important shrine. It contains the lance of the six-faced, 12-armed Hindu war god, Murugan (Skanda), who is seen as identical to the Kataragama Deviyo. Followers make offerings at daily puja at 4.30am, 10.30am and 6.30pm (no 4.30am offering on Saturday). Outside this shrine are two large boulders, against which pilgrims smash burning coconuts while muttering a prayer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bodhi Tree

0.02 MILES

You'll often find monkeys hanging around this sacred tree.

2. Kataragama Museum

0.1 MILES

This archaeological museum inside the complex has a collection of Hindu and Buddhist religious items, as well as huge fibreglass replicas of statues from…

3. Ul-Khizr Mosque

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The second holy site you see as you pass through the holy compound. This beautiful mosque features intricate coloured tile work and wooden lintels, and…

4. Sivam Kovil

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A riverside Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesh, and the first structure you encounter as you enter the holy complex.

5. Kirivehara

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An impressive 29m white dagoba in the north of the sacred compound. It's thought to have been built during the reign of King Mahasena (AD 276–303) who…

6. Ranminithenna Tele-Cinema Village

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This studio located halfway between Tissa and Kataragama is only mentioned because some drivers and tours will suggest you visit. Structures meant to…

7. Tissa Wewa

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The centrepiece of the town and its surrounds is the lovely Tissa Wewa (Tissa Tank), a huge artificial lake. In the evening, check out the flocks of…

8. Yatala Wehera

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Lotus ponds surround this site, which has a wealth of elephant details in the carvings (note the footpads). It was built 2300 years ago by King Mahanaga…

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