The land of God Kataragama

By Amal HEWAVISSENTI

An atmosphere of awe and respect hovers around Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devale that has a long standing reputation as a place of worship. When one enters Devale his or her mind become calm. The sacred land of Kataragama situated close to the Southern coastal belt of the island, gets due recognition and attracts among people because of the 'Ruhunu Kataragama Mahasena Devale'.

The most important places associated with sacred Kataragama are Mahasen Devale, Kirivehera, Devales of Sella Kataragama and Wedihiti Kanda (the mountain where Kanda Kumara of God Kataragama is believed to have lived in the past).

The Bo-tree that was brought here as a sapling from Anuradhapura during the third century B.C. stands as a giant, witnessing the changes that had taken place through centuries.

It is true that people have experienced a sense of calmness and the presence of a protective power. As millions of people throughout centuries have focused their belief in and given due respect for this sacred place of worship, people keep visiting Kataragama for spiritual illumination and the power of God Kataragama believed to be strong against the evil. And also bathing in famous Menik Ganga, flowing through Kataragama, gives a spiritual purification.

The portrait of God Kataragama seated with Valliamma and Thevaniamma on a peacock adds much to the overall sacredness of Kataragama. Sri Lankan Hindu devotees generally fallow ritualistic practices because God Katharagama is closely identified with Skanda Kumara or Subramanya (a god in Vedic mythology). Hindus attribute the typical character of Vedic God of Skanda Kumara for the God of Kataragama and believe him to be their saviour.

However, Hindu interpretation of the origin of God Kataragama based on Vedic literature runs counter to the Buddhist tradition that holds that God is a follower of Buddhism. He dispels all evil influences from the life of man according to Buddhist tradition .

Yet according to Buddhist tradition God Kataragama is none other than King Mahasena who worshipped and respected the God Kihiri Vehera (Kiri Vehera) and the great Bo tree.

It further spells out the prominence of this God as one of the four gods, the guardians of Sri Lanka and a God in Buddhism, committed to bring happiness and power for the people.

Mahasena and Kanda Kumara

Kataragama (Kajaragama) plays its keyrole as the administrative center of Rohana Kingdom of King Mahasena who ruled the kingdom during the fifth century, B.C. Mahavamsa projects the popular legend that the Buddha, on His third visit to Sri Lanka, arrived at 'Kajaragama'and preached Dhamma to King Mahasena and his royalties at the royal park of Kihiri trees.

Today the famous Kiri Vehera derives its name from the royal park of 'Kihiri Trees' that later became the well-known dagoba (Kiri Vehera). It is believed that the king became respected as a god after his death and Mahasen Devale was erected in honour of him.

Traditional stories woven round the birth and life of God of Kataragama attribute great deal of supernatural power to him in his bid to save suffering people. During the third century B.C., a youth named 'Kandasami' (Kanda Kumara) who came from India, had been leading an ascetic life in the mountanious jungle near Menik Ganga (the present area surrounding 'Wedihiti Kanda'). He is popularly known to have been married to two ladies namely 'Thevaniamma (an Indian lady) and Valliamma (a Sri Lankan farmer lady).

Follower

According to Buddhist tradition he was an ardent follower of Buddha's teachings and had been involved in humanitarian moves. Kanda Kumara plays his role on the stage of history of Kataragama with his undisguised support for Prince Dutta Gamini in the preparation for his famous battle to overthrow the South Indian invader Elara.

By this time, Prince Duttagamini was having his military camps near 'Menik Ganga' where young Kanda Kumara was living with his two wives.

He is believed to have encouraged Dutta Gamini by saying "O' prince, go fearlessly your way ahead, your victory is certain and always believe that I am by your side whatever happens".

With a new impetus gained from these words of courage, prince Dutta Gamini overpowered Elara and brought Sri Lanka for the first time, under unification. He did not however forget Kanda Kumara who gave priceless guidance in organising troops to fight Elara. The new king built a palace for him on the banks of Menik Ganga and it later developed into a place of worship. According to oral tradition, Kanda Kumara commanded high respect from the king and people because of his honest service to the people. Interestingly enough, the paint of the image of God of Kataragama has portrayed him to be having six faces with twelve hands and eyes to symbolise his physical strength of six men.

Hindu version of God

Another popular version of origin of God Kataragama is well illustrated in the mythology of Hinduism. The Hindu concept identifies him to be Skanda Kumara, the brother of Ganesha, the God of wisdom parented by God Shiva and Paarwathi. Following a minor dispute in the family, Skanda Kumara came to Sri Lanka and practised an ascetic life together with Thevaniamma and Valliamma. Hindu mythology glorifies his humanitarian mission to relieve people of their sufferings on the banks of Menik Ganga.

The museum

The museum within the Devale premises showcases priceless artefacts uncovered within the area and silently be speaks historical heritage of Kataragama. Statues, images, antique, brassware and other articles are tourist attractions. At the same time the Devale administration has the sole responsibility to keep the sorrounding area to some standard to make the place attractive.

Currently the responsibility of performing rituals at the annual grand ceremony of the Devale is officially assigned to Raja Maha Vihara of Kirivehera.

During this ritualistic ceremony, arrangements are made for a pirith chanting by bhikkhus and sprinkling of holy pirith water throughout the Devale premises.

The Devale has a special name "Pirith Nilaya" and clearly defined duties and grants for it that shows the well organised religious mechanism in operation. It seems almost inevitable that the owe-inspiring display of rituals at Kataragama is a clear offshoot of a multi religious perspective brought to the Devale.

The historical chronicals and records maintained by English officials in Hambantota District help us understand the nature of rituals and renovation of Kataragama Devale since ancient times.

This place of ritualistic worship reflects centuries of development with ups and downs to present where it is nationally recognised. The management of Devale has taken immense pains to preserve the unique rituals and culture through Kataragama which is situated under unfavourable geographical and climatic background. This is to show that Kataragama had never been depopulated though Rohan kingdom was deplorably neglected since Anuradhapura period. Yet a problem remains as to what should be done to save Kataragama that has plunged into a pathetic condition of widespread pollution brought about by man's irresponsible behaviour.