Katharagama Maha Dewalaya — Attraction in Sri Lanka

📍 Exact Coordinates & Location on Google Maps

Latitude: 6°25′6″ N (approx. 6.41846° N)

Longitude: 81°20′1″ E (approx. 81.33365° E)

Entering these coordinates into Google Maps will pinpoint the Maha Devalaya shrine complex, nestled on the southern bank of the Menik River.

🗺️ Map Layout & Layers

The map includes the Maha Devalaya building, adjacent shrines (Vishnu, Ganesha, Teyvani, Valli), the sacred Bo tree, nearby Kiri Vehera, the mosque, and the Menik River, forming a cohesive pilgrimage zone .

Supports multiple view modes: Satellite imagery, terrain, and street view to help you assess pedestrian paths, access roads, and facilities.

🛣️ Transportation & Access Updates

All-weather roads now connect Kataragama from Colombo (~228 km, about 6 hrs) — both bus and car routes are reliable .

Within Kataragama, driving directions, walking routes, resthouse locations, and parking spots (e.g. near Maha Vihara or Detagamuwa) are visible on Google Maps and regularly updated .

🕰️ Real-Time Map Data & Features

Google Maps now includes:

Live traffic overlays and estimated travel times (useful during festival season).

User photos, reviews, and current opening hours (Maha Devalaya typically opens ~09:00–20:00).

Nearby amenities like guesthouses, restaurants, ATMs, and restrooms — with crowdsourced ratings .

Street View in key areas, so you can virtually walk from parking to the Maha Devalaya entrance and shrine rooms.

📌 How to Access the Updated Map

Open Google Maps.

Enter the location name or coordinates: Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya, Kataragama, Sri Lanka.

Switch between Map, Satellite, and Street View for detailed navigation.

Check the “Nearby” tab to find rest houses, food stalls, and pilgrimage facilities.

Enable Live Traffic for up-to-date travel insights — especially useful during Esala Festival (July–August) when pilgrimage flow increases.

✅ Summary: Why These Updates Matter

📌 Precise mapping of each shrine and walkable routes enhances pilgrimage planning.

🚗 Traffic and route optimization help avoid congestion during busy periods.

🛏️ Amenity overlays (e.g., lodging, food, restrooms) improve visitor experience.

🧭 Authentic Street View and navigation cues aid first-time visitors in...

One of most religious place in sri lanka Kataragama is one of the few places in Sri Lanka which is worshipped by most of the popular religious people in Sri Lanka. According to the Buddhists, Kataragama is one of the 16 places visited by Buddha (solos maha stana) during his 3 visits to Sri Lanka. The history of Kataragama goes back to pre Christian era and both Buddhist and Hindu literature have identified this place in various ways. According to chronicles some of the people who accompanied Vijaya from India in 543 BC established a village called Kajara-Gama which is thought to be current Kataragama. According to popular legends, Elara the Indian invader who captured then capital of Anuradhapura sent a spy called Kadira to the south (Rohana) to spy on the Sinhalese Royals. He established himself in Kataragama and brought his Indian wife Thevani with him. Later he fell in love with a beautiful 16 year old local girl called Valli and married her with the consent of the previous wife. Kadira is said to have operated 6 spy rings again sub divided in to 12 groups. It was these groups which later was transformed in to six heads and 12 arms of the Kataragama Deviyo. When the Elara was finally defeated by King Dutugamunu (161-131 BC), Kadira the a spy master became a respected citizen in the area of Kataragama. He specially helped the Sinhalese people who accepted him as a benefactor. He was so respected that when he died the Sinhalese people elevated him to a deity and built a shrine (devale) for him. But the Tamils in Kataragama never accepted him as a deity and ignored him. Kadira was known as the “Kadira Deviyo” who later became Kataragama Deviyo. Those Tamils who worshipped at the shrine introduced their own god Skanda Kumar as the reigning deity of this shrine. Some legends consider the Katragama Deviyo (deity) as the powerful regional warrior king Mahasena who ruled the area when the Buddha made his 3rd visit to Sri Lanka in the 8th year of his enlightenment ( 580 BC) . This warrior king took to Buddhism after meeting the Buddha and was elevated to a deity by the community after his...

Kataragama Devalaya is a unique and spiritually significant place, even for those who may not personally believe in its religious practices. What I truly appreciate is the peaceful coexistence of multiple faiths — Buddhist, Hindu, and even Muslim — all coming together in one sacred site. This cultural and religious harmony is something to be preserved and admired.

However, I do not recommend placing money in the pooja vattiya (offering trays), as in most cases, the offerings are taken by the temple kapuwas (attendants), and may not go toward genuine religious or charitable purposes.

Within the Devalaya premises, you’ll also find the Ashtapala Bodhiya, a sacred Bo tree worth visiting. I encourage parents to educate their children about Hindu mythology and the origin story of the Kataragama deity before visiting — it will give them deeper insight and appreciation for what they see and experience.

For tourists, this is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to witness the depth and diversity of its cultural heritage. There are many tourist attractions in the surrounding area, such as the Sella Kataragama temple, Yala National Park, and the sacred Kiri Vehera. 🛕🐘🌿 These places add more value to a visit, offering a mix of spiritual and nature-based experiences.

However, I do not recommend bathing in the Manik Ganga within the Devalaya premises due to hygiene concerns. 🚫🛁 The river may be sacred, but cleanliness is often not well maintained in this area.

Inside the premises, you can witness Kavadi and other religious rituals, and even participate in or hire them at reasonable prices. 🪔🎉 It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local traditions and observe deep-rooted devotional practices. Also, don't miss out on tasting the famous dodol — a traditional sweet widely available in Kataragama. 🍬 There are many vendors, and you can choose according to your taste...