Pada Yatra ෴ පාද යාත්‍රා

  

Though there’s much talk about the grim conflict that plagued the country, very little is spoken of a special event that kept going despite the escalating tensions between the North and South. This is the foot pilgrimage or ‘Pada Yatra’; a two-month long procession between two sacred sites; Jaffna and Kataragama. A typical walk or rally attended by over thousands of people, a Pada Yatra would usually symbolise public sovereignty, where a rally would be organized by political leaders who would gather citizens for a cause. But in this case the Pada Yatra from Jaffna to Kataragama was different, it was more or less a symbol of peace, co-existence and devotion.

The sacred city of Kataragama is located far South and has been intertwined with much myth and belief that it is the house of Lord Kataragama or ’Kataragama Deviyo’. The temple complex dedicated to Lord Katharagama consists many shrines and is one of the few places venerated by Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims alike.

The Muslims believe that it is here that Prophet Moses (PBUH) journeyed in seek of the teachings of al-Khadir, the servant of Allah (SWT) while the Buddhists are of the belief that an ardent devotee, King Mahasen’s spirit is still at large at its premises.