Lord Murugan, also known as Katharagama deviyo is a Hindu deity that is widely known as the youthful god of war. Owing to the attributes relating to war, destruction of evil spirits and all, lord Murugan is featured with weapons, dressed in an ancient war attire in most temples. There is also a significant feature that Lord Murugan presents him self standing near or siting on a peacock, a rooster, and a snake sometimes. Some of the famous Lord Murugan temples in the East are in rocky lands.
This attractive temple dedicated to Lord Murugan in the heart of Kumana forest is one of the famous temples among Hindus living in the Eastern province. Existence of this temple on top of a quiet rock standing high in the middle of the jungle gives more peace to those who visit this place. However, staying late at these areas are considered risky due to wildlife encounters including wild elephants, sloth bear and leopards too very rarely. Regardless of these risks, this is the major resting point for the devotees on Kataragama padayatra.
Even though the picturesque view of this temple is dominated by Lord Ganesha’s statue standing tall, this is a temple dedicated for Lord Muruga. Annual rituals are undertaken for lord Murugan at this temple and the figurine of the deity is taken to give a bath to the pond located near the temple. Reaching this temple is a hard drive due to the bad conditions of the road leading to the temple. However, the scenery of the vast green outskirts and waters scene from the top along with the cool and dry breeze refreshes the mind.
Velodu Malai murugan kovil is situated in Ilukupothanai in Sithandi area. This is very much like Thanthamalai Murugan Kovil in its structural design. It is believed that, the feet of God Murugan were placed in this mountain. Two hills are seen near the Velodu Mountain that it is believed that many hermits have lived in these mountains. This kovil is famous among locals for the believe that those who do not have children, will be blessed with child if worshipped.
This Temple is located on a picturesque rock formation and is praised by the community as a place of great reverence. There are 3 ponds on the rocks identified as the temple pond, pond for bathing and the pond used to bath by the lady of the ruler, kusalanar. The architectural marvel is testament to the abilities shown by the ancient civilization of Sri Lanka. There are inscriptions that have partially been translated. The view from the top is breathtaking as from one end you see the beautiful landscape of the adjoining paddy fields and on the other you see the Karadiyan reservoir.
