Kataragama, a fountain of spiritual consolation

By Amal Hewavissenti

The Esala season for Kataragama has now begun. The belief of God Skanda as a universal divine power has provided immense relief to pressure-laden minds. Thus, the worship of Kataragama has directly sprung from the strong belief that God Skanda has great potential for giving relief for people in suffering.

God Skanda

For most people, it is the universal power that can neutralise grief, sorrow, evil powers and ensure happiness and lifelong success. People in millions flock to this place of worship simply to enjoy a physical and mental well-being and above all, to have the psychological assurance that everything turns smooth in their lives.

At present, Kataragama as a place of worship has risen to its pristine glory on account of the improved facilities that account for a greater public influx all the year round.

Improved communication, sanitary and travelling facilities and accommodation have practically turned Kataragama into a highly popular place - a haven for people seeking calm and consolation.

It is a multi-religious place of worship because people of all religions and ethnicities visit it for religious activities with their faith in the God of Kataragama.

It is a unique place in Sri Lanka. All the year round, the place attracts a huge number of people though it lacks top tourist attractions or natural beauty that keep people visiting a certain place continuously.

The people usually keep visiting a certain place chiefly because of healthful climate, archaeological value or natural beauty that accompany it.

Paradoxically, Kataragama with a large number of people visiting it, is an arid zone of the country and therefore, lacks essential natural beauty.

Furthermore, the place contains comparatively less amount of archaeological ruins that may interest all types of visitors. But an astonishing number of people visit it daily.

Worship

This land of worship is situated close to the southern coastal belt of the island and gains enormous recognition on account of “Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devale.” This place with a long standing renown as a place of worship commands a typical atmosphere of respect and awe. Generally, billions of people throughout centuries have focused their belief in and given due respect for this place of worship.

The significant places associated with sacred Kataragama are Kiri Vehera, Devales of Sella Kataragama, Mahasen Devale and Wedihiti Kanda (the hill where Skanda is believed to have lived in the past). The Bo-tree that was brought here as a sapling from Anuradhapura during the third century BC stands as a giant witnessing all transmutations that have come over the place through centuries.

Bathing in the famous Menik Ganga flowing through the premises of Kataragama Devale is believed to give a spiritual purification. It is obvious that people of all faiths and ethnicities keep visiting this place purely for spiritual illumination and the power of God Kataragama is believed to be strong against all evil.

At present, the responsibility of performing rituals at the annual grand ceremony of the Devale is officially assigned to Rajamaha Vihara of Kiri Vehera. In the course of this ritualistic ceremony, arrangements are usually made for a Pirith chanting by Bhikkhus sprinkling of Pirith water throughout Devale premises.

The Devale has an exclusive office Pirith Nilaya with clearly defined duties and grants which displays the well organised religious mechanism in operation. It is fair to say that the awe-inspiring display of rituals at Kataragama is a clear offshoot of a multi-religious perspective brought to the Devale.

The historical chronicles and records maintained by English officials in Hambantota offer a clear picture of the nature of rituals and stages of renovation of Kataragama Devale since ancient times.

Valiamma

The portrait of God Kataragama seated with Valliamma and Thevaniamma on the back of a peacock enhances the overall sacredness of the place. Hindus attribute the typical character of the Vedic God Skanda to the God of Kataragama and believe him to be their saviour. Sri Lankan Hindu devotees generally follow ritualistic practices because God Kataragama is closely identified with Skanda or Subramanya, a god in vedic mythology.

A popular version of the origin of the worship of God Kataragama is illustrated in Hinduistic mythology. The Hindu concept identifies him to be Skanda, the brother of Ganesha, the God of Wisdom parented by God Shiva and Paarwathi. Following a minor dispute in the family, Skanda came to Sri Lanka and practised an ascetic life together with Valliamma and Thevaniamma. Hindu mythology glorifies his humanitarian mission to relieve people of their sufferings on the banks of Menik Ganga. He was an ardent follower of the Buddha's teachings and had been involved in humanitarian moves, according to Buddhist tradition.

Skanda played his role in the history of Kataragama with his undisguised support for Prince Dutugemunu in the preparation for his famous battle to overthrow the South Indian invader Elara. By this time, Prince Dutugemunu had established his military camps near Menik Ganga where young Skanda was living with his two wives.

With the new impetus gained from the support from Skanda, Prince Dutugemunu overpowered Elara and brought Sri Lanka, for the first time under unification. The new King (Dutugemunu) built a palace for him on the banks of Menik Ganga and it later developed into a place of worship.According to oral tradition, Skanda commanded high respect from the king and people because of his service to the public. Interestingly enough, the painter has portrayed the God of Kataragama to be having six faces and 12 hands presumably to symbolise his physical strength of six men.

This place of ritualistic worship reflects centuries of development with ups and downs to the present. However, the management of Devale has taken immense pains to preserve the unique rituals and culture though Kataragama is situated under unfavourable geographical and climatic background.