Wayside boutiques on the way out of Katharagama/ Kathirkaamam, Sri Lanka.

Fruits and cotton for sale.

Deer carved out of wood for sale.

Wood Apple fruits for sale.

On the way out of Katharagama / Kathirkaamam, Sri Lanka.

'Malabar pied Hornbill' on a tamarind tree at Katharagama.

On the way out.

Painted fruit shells of ''Puhul gedi' / Surikk kai' for sale. These were used to carry water in ancient times.

Kirivehara, Katharagama, Sri Lanka.

Katharagama/Kathirkaamam, Sacred City, Sri Lanka.

Flowers on sale on the road to Kirivehara.

A Mosque and Shrine of a Muslim Saint.

'Valliammal Kovil.

Sights at the temple premises, 'Katharagama' / 'Kathirkaamam', Sri Lanka.

The story is told of how Lord Muruga / Skanda Deviyo developed sores on his body and went away from his home and wife to wander in the wilderness. He came across the hut of a Veddha Cheiftain where his young daughter 'Valliamma' was living. He fell in love and was rejected by her. Ultimately Lord Muruga got his brother Lord Vinayaga the elephant-headed God to frighten Valli at an opportune moment taking the form of an elephant. The frightened Valli fell into the arms of Lord Muruga who happened to be present and was rescued by Him. Valli subsequently married Lord Muruga and was his second wife.
To this day the 'Aaraathi Ammal' of the temple are females from the Veddha clan who address Lord Muruga as 'Machchaan'/ 'Massina'.
This Kovil is more than 2000 years old.

Sights at 'Katharagama/Kathirkaamam', Sri Lanka.

Crossing the bridge over the sacred river.

Devotees lining up for the '
Pooja' with their tray of offerings of fresh fruit.

The entrance to the temple of Lord Muruga.

Environs of 'Menik Ganga' S, 'Maanikka kangai' T, Sri Lanka.

Click on the web-link below to watch a video of snapshots taken at Katharagama:-

http://youtu.be/IlOpCh3kNVY