The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage ( Pada Yathra ) – By Lakshitha Pasindu Jayamanna
Source : Lakshitha Pasindu Jayamanna Linkedin
The Katharagama Foot Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka is an annual spiritual journey of Hindus which starting from Selvasannithi Temple in Jaffna and ending at the sacred Murugan temple in Katharagama. Pilgrims walk 400 of kilometers over several weeks, traveling through diverse landscapes. This pilgrimage is not just a religious event but also an opportunity to experience natural beauty and cultural diversity in Sri Lanka.
Along the way, pilgrims pass through beautiful natural attractions like Kumana National Park, Yala National Park, Kudumbigala Sanctuary and Katagamuwa Sanctuary. Kumana National Park is known for its birdlife, including migratory birds, while Yala National Park is famous for its leopards, elephants, and other wildlife. This is the only opportunity to walk through Yala and Kumana National Parks. Okandamalei Temple is the starting point of the pilgrimage to enter the Kumana NP and then to Kataragama. The gates of the Kumana NP will be opened on 30th June 2024 for pilgrims. Nature and cultural explorers join the foot pilgrimage which coming from Jaffna from this place.
Pilgrims, enduring physical hardship, walk barefoot for several weeks, symbolizing their devotion and seeking blessings from the deity Kataragama. The pilgrimage is not just a spiritual journey but also a cultural experience. It brings together people from different religious such as Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians, and ethnic backgrounds, promoting unity and harmony. Pilgrims often share food, stories, and prayers, making the journey a meaningful and memorable experience for everyone involved. Along the way, pilgrims can see traditional rituals, vibrant ceremonies, and local customs.
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