Sacred City of Kataragama

Located very close to Yala National Park in southern Sri Lanka, Kataragama is a small village, though considered a multi-religious holy city and a destination for numerous pilgrims. The religious complex is dedicated to Kataragama (Kanda Kumara). According to legend, Kataragama was a Hindu god who came from India, the son of Shiva and brother of Ganesh. For Buddhists, Kanda Kumara is a protective deity. For Muslims, Kataragama is sacred because, according to legend, some holy Muslims came from India and settled in this area. And for the Veddas, who do not believe in Kanda Kumara, this area was sacred because they believed a deity lived on the nearby mountain.