Kataragama - is the Hindu god of war. His worship, made a pilgrimage to the city of the same name with a temple dedicated to him, not only during the Esala full moon, and at any time when a believer - Buddhist or Hindu - wants to get the blessing of the new endeavor, even such mundane as buying a new car.

Sanctuary, located on the left bank of the Ganges Menico always been Hindu. According to legend, King Dutugemunu rebuilt the original shrine to fulfill a vow made after the overthrow of the governor of Tamil Elara in Anuradhapura. It is dedicated to Skanda, the Hindu god of war, which is also known as Kali Yuga Varatar or Subrahmanya or Karititayya. It is said that he was on the island to fight the enemies of the gods and defeating them in Velpure - current Kalutara - remained in Kataragama.

The modern church is a large complex, which are suitable for a wide street with religious offerings - flowers and fruits. Time and tradition, as well as the tangible effectiveness of the temple have made one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka. Many southerners, convinced of the beneficial effects of the deity, go to Kataragama to perform puja (offering) before proceeding with plans for the future.

Traditional ritual involves bathing in the Ganges Menico, after which you need to change into clean clothes and walk a few hundred meters to the temple. It is a simple quadrangular white building with carved wooden doors facing east. The walls inside are covered with century-soot from the burning oil lamps and candles. Part of the interior of the temple curtain is fenced off, there may be included only priest.