The South - Sri Lanka - page 310

The sacred precinct is set on the other side of Menik Ganga, a chocolate-coloured river in
which pilgrims wash before continuing towards the shrines. The site's wide promenades
are lined with grey monkeys always on the lookout for a handout - or a dropped personal
item.
Shrines RELIGIOUS
The most important shrine, Maha Devale ( GOOGLE MAP ) , features the lance of the six-
faced, 12-armed Hindu war god, Murugan (Skanda), who is seen as identical to the Katar-
agama Deviyo. Followers make offerings at daily puja at 4.30am, 10.30am and 6.30pm
(no 4.30am offering on Saturdays). Outside this shrine are two large boulders, against
which pilgrims smash burning coconuts while muttering a prayer.
The Kirivehara ( GOOGLE MAP ) dagoba and Sivam Kovil ( GOOGLE MAP ) shrines are
dedicated to the Buddha and Ganesh (the remover of obstacles and champion of intellectu-
al pursuits) respectively; there is also a bodhi tree ( GOOGLE MAP ) .
Ul-Khizr Mosque MOSQUE
( GOOGLE MAP )
The Muslim area near the river features this beautiful mosque with coloured tile work and
wooden lintels, and tombs of two holy men.
Kataragama Museum MUSEUM
( GOOGLE MAP ;admission Rs 650; 8.30am-4.30pm Tue-Sun)
This archaeological museum inside the complex has a collection of Hindu and Buddhist
religious items, as well as huge fibreglass replicas of statues from around Sri Lanka.
However, you'll need a guide to provide context as the labelling is woeful.
Mahinda Rajapaksa National Tele-Cinema Park STUDIO
( GOOGLE MAP ; www.serendibstudio.com ; off Tissa-Kataragama Rd;admission foreigner US$10)
Named for its patron, the gift-bearing Sri Lankan president, this studio located halfway
between Tissa and Kataragama is only mentioned because some drivers and tours will sug-
gest you visit. Don't. There's a small soundstage and a tiny backlot meant to recreate colo-
nial Bombay (which is already crumbling in the tough local climate). The foreigner admis-
sion fee is pure rip-off.