Kataragama Wedasiti Kanda (කතරගම වැඩසිටි කන්ද)

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Stupa at the top of Wedihiti Kanda
photo source : srilanka-experience.de

Wedihiti Kanda is a sacred mountain peak located approximately 3.5 kilometers from the Kataragama Devalaya. Traditionally believed to be the dwelling of Lord Kataragama (Skanda), the summit features a small shrine and offers spectacular 360-degree views of the surrounding Yala National Park and the holy city below.

Wedihiti Kanda (also spelled Wedahiti Kanda) is a rocky hill located approximately 3.5 kilometers from the renowned Kataragama Devalaya. Alongside Sella Kataragama, it is one of the most visited spiritual sites for pilgrims journeying to Kataragama.

Legends Surrounding Wedihiti Kanda

There isn’t much known about its official history, but Wedihiti Kanda is full of myths and stories about the god Kataragama.

One well-known legend tells of Prince Dutugemunu, who vowed to build a magnificent shrine for the Kataragama deity if he emerged victorious in his battle against King Elara, the South Indian ruler of Anuradhapura. After his triumph, Dutugemunu traveled to Kataragama and encountered the deity atop Wedihiti Kanda. When asked where the shrine should be built, the deity took a bow and arrow and shot it into the air, declaring that the shrine should be erected where it landed. The arrow fell at the current site of the Kataragama Devalaya, where the first temple was said to have been constructed by King Dutugemunu.

Some legends connect the god Kataragama to a warrior king from the area named Mahasena, who is thought to have ruled the area during the Buddha’s third visit to Sri Lanka, which was about 580 BCE, eight years after he became enlightened. People say that King Mahasena became a Buddhist after meeting the Buddha and that they made him a god after he died.

It is also believed that in his old age, King Mahasena retreated to Wedihiti Kanda, living as a hermit and spending his final years in meditation atop the mountain.

Wedihiti Kanda Today

Even today, there are remains of an ancient shrine at the top. But newer shrine rooms have come up and the antiquity of this mountain has mostly disappeared. Still, the climb to the top of this mountain is a unique spiritual experience, and even for a nonbeliever, the panoramic view and the peaceful atmosphere from the top will make the climb worthwhile.

If you are feeling adventurous, you could hike to the remote Valli Kanda, the jungle shrine, which lies on the next hill. The trail to this site starts from the Wedihiti Kanda trail.

View from the top of Wedihiti Kanda photo source : srilanka-experience.de

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Map of Wedasiti Kanda at Kataragama

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Travel Directions to Wedasiti Kanda at Kataragama

Route 1 from Colombo to Wedihiti Kanda at Kataragama	Route 2 from Colombo Junction to Wedihiti Kanda at Kataragama
Through : Sothern Expressway – Matara – Tangalle – Hambantota Distance : 322 km Travel time : 6 hours Driving directions : see on google map	Through : Ratnapura – Udawalawa – Thanamalwila Distance : 230 km Travel time : 5.5 hours Driving directions : see on google map

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