Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya in Kumana (කුමන කුඩා කැබිලිත්ත දේවාලය)

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Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya inside Kumana National Park

Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya is a lesser-known but deeply revered shrine nestled within the wilderness of the Yala forest, spiritually connected to the Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya, which is believed to be one of the most sacred abodes of Deity Kataragama. While Maha Kebiliththa is known for its intense remoteness, and an arduous journey, Kuda Kebiliththa serves as a more accessible yet spiritually significant site for devotees who seek divine blessings and guidance.

It’s also common for pilgrims who are unable to make the full journey to Maha Kebiliththa to offer their prayers here instead.

This holy shrine stands at the banks of Kumbukkan Oya river which seperate the Eastern Province and Southern Province accessable from Kumana National Park. A small shrine dedicated to deity Kataragama stands at a small cleating. Some new statues dedicated to Lord Ganesh and other Hindu deities stand around the main shrine in the open air area.

Historical and Spiritual Background

Kuda Kebiliththa is believed to have originated as a resting or intermediary shrine on the ancient forest path to Maha Kebiliththa. It is one of the stops of Pada Yatha, the anual spiritual pilgrimage to Kataragama where devotees long journey on foot starting from Jaffna.

According to legend and oral tradition, the shrine was established by devotees or ascetics who halted at this spot for prayer and meditation before continuing to the main shrine. Over time, this spot came to be venerated in its own right, with locals reporting experiences of divine visions and answered prayers attributed to deity Kataragama.

How to Get to Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya

Kuda Kebiliththa can be reached by any Safari Jeep entering from the Kumana Park entrance. Road is rough but not difficult.

Kumbukkan Oya near Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya inside Kumana National Park

Also See

Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya in Yala

Map of Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya

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Travel Directions to Kuda Kebiliththa Devalaya (Upto Kumana Park Entrance)

Entrance to Kumana is from Okanda. Although the fastest route is through the Southern Expressway, The route through Balangoda – Beragala is very scenic.

Route I from Colombo to Kumana Park Entrance at Okanda	Route II from Colombo to Kumana Park Entrance at Okanda
Through : Southern Highway – Mattala – Thanamalwila – Wellawaya – Monaragala – Potuvil – Panama – Okanda Distance :420 km Travel time : 7.30 hours. Driving directions : see on Google map	Through : Balangoda – Beragala – Wellawaya – Monaragala – Potuvil – Panama – Okanda Distance :345 km Travel time : 9.30 hours. Driving directions : see on Google map
Route from Potuvil to Kumana Park Entrance at Okanda
Through : Potuvil – Panama – Okanda Distance :32 km Travel time : 1 hours. Driving directions : see on Google map

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