Kataragama deviyo is a guardian deity of Sri Lanka. A popular deity who is considered to be very powerful, shrines dedicated to Kataragama deviyo are found in many places of the country. Sinhalese Buddhists believe him also as a divine patron of the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka. An ancient temple dedicated to God Kataragama, known as Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya is situated in the South-Eastern town of Kataragama in Monaragala District of Uva Province.
Kataragama deviyo is identified with God Skanda of Hinduism
Main entrance of the Kataragama temple premises
Kataragama devalaya with Gana devalaya in the background
A group of dancers participating in the Kataragama Esala Festival
The Sinhalese people, also known as the Sinhalese or Sinhala people are an Indo-Aryan ethno-linguistic group native to the island of Sri Lanka. They are the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, constituting about 75% of the Sri Lankan population and number more than 15.2 million.
Sinhalese children in folk costume
Ruins of the Royal palace of Polonnaruwa
An ola leaf manuscript written in Sinhala.
The Temple of the Tooth was renovated during the Buddhist revival.