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Photo By : Chanaka Fernando
Maha Siyambalawa Devalaya in Kebiliththa also popularly known as Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya is small shrine deep inside the block IV of the Yala National Park. The general belief is that that Deity Kataragama spends most of his time at tranquil Kebiliththa in meditation.
This davalaya has no fixed buildings but few statues around a Small Tamarind (Siyambala) tree. This Tamarind Tree is about 9 feet high but quite old. This tree is said to be a offshoot of the original tamarind tree which has stopped growing after few years. After the original tree died, the deity Kataragama has selected another tamarind tree lying little way from the devalaya.
The Kataragama Devalaya at Kataragama draws thousands of devotees every day but Kebiliththa draws only a handful of the most devoted to Kataragama. This site is believed to be have great spiritual powers thus a visit require preparation for at least a week ahead. The visitors must stay away from all forms of meat, fish or eggs atleast a week ahead and the process of worshiping and offering puja is also more stringent and trip needs to be done with great faith and dedication.
image source : lankadeepa.lk
There are numerous stories of unfortunate incidents happening to those who violated the faith of this holy land from being stranded in the jungle for days due to water levels of rivers, vehicle problems, getting lost, getting mysteriously ill on the trip to incidents occurring days after completing the journey.
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 which was accumulating large amount of wealth and treasures being the most popular devalaya in the country.
When the custodians of the Kataragama Devalaya head this news they collected all valuables and has come to Kebiliththa which was already being considered a 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 be able to capture running wild buffaloes and taming 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 too exists near this devalaya and large amount of ruins consisting of rock pillars too can be seen spread around the area. Although no research has been done, this area would have been part of an Buddhist monastery in the ancient past.
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. A jeep hire alone will cost 35,000 – 40,000 rupees for trip and its always advised to travel in two jeeps to backup each other. Winches, snatch belts, high lift jacks and a experienced 4×4 driver is a must for the ride. Sometimes tractors are also used to make this trip.
There are 4 routes used to reach the Kebiliththa Devalaya
Also See
Map of Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya
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
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Travel Directions to Maha Kebiliththa Devalaya
1 (through Kumana Entrance) – About 56 km
Kumana -> Kuda Kabaliththa -> Ada Kumbuka -> Gal amuna -> Kebiliththa
Route 2 (through Yala Block II Entrance) – About 87 km.
Yala -> Block ii -> cross Kumbukkan Oya -> Kuda Kabalithth -> Ada Kumbuka -> Gal amuna -> Kebiliththa
Route 3 (through Kotiyagala) – About 32 Km from Kotiyagala. This is not a official entrance to Yala Park. This is one of the most popular routes. The route can be made also on tractors. The cost of a tractor hire is about Rs 15,000/- and a jeep around Rs 35,000/-
Monaragala -> Kodayana -> 5 Kanuwa(5th Post) -> Kotiyagala -> Bogas hanidiya road or Kammal yaya road -> Kebiliththa
Route 4 (through Galge Entrance) – about 30 km.
