Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya in Yala

RATE THIS LOCATION : 1 Star

(24 votes, average: 3.58 out of 5)

Pilgrims preparing puja in the Manik River at the Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya
Photo By : Chanaka Fernando

Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya in Kebiliththa, also popularly known as Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya, is a small shrine deep inside Block IV of the Yala National Park. The general belief is that Deity Kataragama spends most of his time at tranquil Kebiliththa in meditation.

The Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya stands apart from other shrines—it has no permanent structures. Instead, it consists of a few sacred statues placed around a small tamarind (siyambala) tree. About 50 meters deeper in the jungle lies the original Maha Siyambalawa (මහ සියඹලාව), a massive tamarind tree believed to embody great spiritual power. Its wide girth and ancient presence make it a revered focal point of worship. The site is protected by a simple fence, and out of deep respect for its sanctity, no lighting or pooja (ritual offerings) is permitted at this sacred spot.

A Journey of Discipline and Purity

Buddhist Ruins on top the rock at the Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya at Kebiliththa
image source : lankadeepa.lk

The pilgrimage to Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya is not just a journey—it is a profound spiritual trial that calls for both physical endurance and inner purity. Preparation for this sacred undertaking traditionally begins a month in advance, with devotees embracing a life of discipline and restraint.

For 30 days before the pilgrimage, participants abstain from alcohol, meat, fish, and eggs, maintaining a sattvic (pure and balanced) lifestyle. Pilgrims carry their own pots, pans, and ingredients to prepare offerings themselves. On the banks of the Kumbukkan Oya River, they cook fresh rice and other items with deep reverence, bathing in the river before entering the Devalaya’s sanctified grounds.

Legends and local accounts warn of misfortunes that have befallen those who disregarded the sanctity of Kebiliththa—travelers stranded by floods, mysterious illnesses, broken vehicles, or accidents occurring days after their visit.

The journey through dense jungle terrain requires special off-road vehicles, typically jeeps or tractors. Since there are no permanent facilities near the site, visitors must plan thoroughly and make necessary arrangements beforehand:

Transport: Hire a jeep or tractor (around LKR 65,000 via Galge or Kotiyagala route – 2025 rates).
Guide: Engage a Kapu Mahaththaya (ritual caretaker) – around LKR 15,000 (2025 rates).
Supplies: Tents, cooking utensils, gas cooker, and sufficient drinking water. Many jeep drivers can help arrange these.
Offerings: Bring all pooja items as instructed by the Kapu Mahaththaya. Non-perishables should be purchased in advance; perishables can be bought in Kataragama.
Clothing: Wear white attire—sarong, shirt or t-shirt, and a white turban to cover the head. A face mask is also recommended.

History of Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya

The history of the devale is also intriguing. When the Dutch landed in Sri Lanka in 1602, they systematically started looting Buddhist temples and devalayas of valuable gems and gold in the coastal region. Katragama Devalaya is and was one temple that was accumulating large amounts of wealth and treasures, being the most popular devalaya in the country.

When the custodians of the Kataragama Devalaya heard this news, they collected all valuables and came to Kebiliththa, which was already being considered an area of God Kataragama. They hid the treasures in a tamarind tree trunk and handed over the custodianship to a person called Kebiliththe Rala, who was so strong that he had been able to capture running wild buffaloes and tame them.

The Dutch came through Panama looking for the hidden treasures of Kataragama Devalaya and finally reached Kebiliththa. Kebiliththe Rala is said to have fought and killed 10 Dutchmen, but he too died of wounds. The treasures were taken away by the Kataragama custodians, but it is said that the spirit of Kebiliththe Rala now looks after this devale under the instructions from God Kataragama.

An ancient Bodhi tree also exists near this devalaya, and some ruins consisting of rock pillars can be seen spread around the area. Although no research has been done, this area would have been part of a Buddhist monastery in the ancient past.

How to Get to Maha Kebiliththa

The travel to this devale is also an experience of its own. It is one of the toughest 4×4 tracks in the country crossing rivers and muddy terrains. Winches, snatch belts, high-lift jacks, and an experienced 4×4 driver are a must for the ride. Sometimes tractors are also used to make this trip.

Route 1 (through Kumana Entrance)

One of the two popular tracks. About 56 km
Kumana -> Kuda Kabaliththa -> Ada Kumbuka -> Gal amuna -> Kebiliththa

Route 2 (through Yala Block I Palatupana Entrance)

About 87 km in distance.
Yala Palatupana Entrance -> Yala Block II -> cross Kumbukkan Oya -> (following the Route 1 as in Kumana track) Kuda Kabaliththa -> Ada Kumbuka -> Gal amuna -> Kebiliththa

Route 3 (through Kotiyagala)

About 62 km from the Monaragala turnoff. This is not an official entrance to Yala Park. This is one of the popular routes. The route can also be made on tractors. The cost of a tractor hire is about Rs 35,000, and a jeep Rs 65,000/-
Monaragala -> Kodayana -> 5 Kanuwa (5th Post) -> Kotiyagala -> Bogas Hanidiya road or Kammal yaya road -> Kebiliththa

Route 4 (through Yala Block III Galge Entrance)

The distance is about 30 km.

Maha Kadawada devalaya on the way to Kebiliththa from Kotiyagala

Elephants at Kumbukkan Oya near Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya

Preparing the pooja for Maha Kebiliththa

Maha Kadawara devalaya of Maha Kebiliththa

The original Maha Siyambalawa in the night at Kebiliththa

Furious Kumbukkan Oya at Maha Kebiliththa

There are 4 routes used to reach the Kebiliththa Devalaya

Also See

Map of Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya

Click on the button below to load the Dynamic Google Map

Show Location on Google Maps

The map above also shows other places of interest within a approximately 20 km radius of the current site. Click on any of the markers and the info box to take you to information of these sites

Zoom out the map to see more surrounding locations using the mouse scroll wheel or map controls.