Kataragama is the Hindu God of war. Revere him, making a pilgrimage to the eponymous city with a temple dedicated to him, not only during the Esala full moon, but at any time when the believer – Buddhist or Hindu – wants to receive the blessing in a new endeavor, even such mundane, like buying a new car.

The sanctuary, located on the left Bank of the Menik Ganga, has always been Hindu. According to legend, king Dutthagamani was rebuilt original sanctuary, to perform a vow given after the overthrow of the Tamil ruler of Alary in Anuradhapura. It is dedicated to Skanda, the Hindu God of war, also known as Kali Yuga Vratar, or Subramanya, or Caricetalia. The story goes that he came to the island to fight with the enemies of the gods and defeating them in Velure – current Kalutara, remained in Kataragama.

The modern temple is a large complex, which is on broad street believers are suitable with offerings of flowers and fruit. Time and tradition, as well as tangible efficiency has made the temple one of the sacred places in Sri Lanka. Many southerners, convinced of the beneficial effects of the Godhead, go to Kataragama to perform Puja (an offering), prior to proceed with the plans for the future.

Traditional ritual involves bathing in the Menik Ganga, after which you need to change into clean clothes and walk a few hundred meters to the temple. It is a simple, rectangular white building with carved wooden doors, facing East. The walls inside are covered with a hundred years of soot from the burning of oil lamps and candles. Part of the interior of the temple separated by a curtain, there can only be entered by the priest.