Ashram Katharagama Sri Lanka

2008-03-17T13:59:00.002+05:30

Lakpathinath and his team attending the harvesting of paddy at the Ashram's paddy field.

2008-03-17T13:51:00.001+05:30

Devotional singing in front of the Ashram Temple.

2008-03-17T13:41:00.000+05:30

Lakpathinath and his team singing devotional songs.

Swamy starts sculpting SIVA...the first of its kind in the village...

2008-01-24T15:00:00.000+05:30

On the 06th of March, the day of Maha Siva Rathri,he intends to open the statue for public viewing... We cannot wait to see him finish his first sculpture in his new chamber.

2008-01-17T12:45:00.000+05:30

The new year spent at the Kirivehera Stupa by our friends... they took part in spiritual activities and alms giving.

2008-01-17T12:34:00.000+05:30

Climbing the peak was not easy for our friend, but, 'it was real fun...' he said at the end!

2008-01-17T12:16:00.000+05:30

It's been over two months since the paddy was cultivated, looks healthy and Kumara is happy. It will be around March when we shall see the results!

The Swamy from kirimetimulla,Mathara

2008-01-17T11:43:00.000+05:30

Katharagama Ashram welcomes Swamy Shanthapriya,alias Samarapala Ranasinghe, from Kirimetimulla village in Mathara, who just moved in to his new 'Kuti'. He becomes the first neighbourer of the Katharagam Ashram and has already started building his own meditation chamber in a natural cave, carving and sculpting in stone and clay and building a native style shelter. We warmly welcome swamy to the family and praise his courage in choosing a path which many people hesitate to take...

The Paddy cultivation season begins

2007-11-16T15:01:00.000+05:30

Part of the Ashram premises is being prepared for paddy cultivation. The harvesting season will be around March 2008, if everything goes well. Paddy cultivation within the premises assures round the year food supply for the visitors to the Ashram.

Buddhist Temple 'Kiri Vehera'

2007-09-20T09:18:00.000+05:30

This is the massive structure done with bricks by ancient Buddhist King Mahasena. 95 Feet tall and painted in white, a glamorous view when lit up with floodlights.

View inside the Ashram

2007-09-20T09:10:00.000+05:30

A view inside the Ashram with tree house and visitors' accommodation.

A journey to the mountain

2007-09-18T14:24:00.000+05:30

The journey to the Katharagama peak(mountain) could be done either on foot or by a four wheel drive for those who prefer a quick visit. The view from the peak, which is 424M high, is breathtaking with the sea from the South and Adam's Peak from the North visible during clear days. At the mountain top there is a Buddhist temple, a Sivan Kovil, A Skandhakumara temple and other places of worship. Devotees could spend a night here with prior permission obtained from the incumbent priest.

A silent night

2007-09-18T10:15:00.000+05:30

When the night falls everyone starts gathering into the Visitors' Lounge in the Ashram socializing.

Inside The Visitors' Lounge

2007-09-18T10:07:00.000+05:30

Visitors and Villagers sharing their own experiences under one roof.

Wild life Safaris

2007-09-18T09:22:00.000+05:30

Management of the Katharagama Ashram organises wild life safari tours by boats as well as by land for the visitors. You will be able to witness some amazing views in these isolated locations.

Entrance to the Internal Chamber of the Temple in the Ashram

2007-09-17T16:57:00.001+05:30

The Internal chamber of the temple in the Ashram is for those who prefer to meditate and offer ritualistic poojas or offerings. This chamber can be accessed only with prior permission from the caretaker.

The new school building under construction.

2007-09-17T16:41:00.001+05:30

This new building, which is quite unusual in the premises because it has not been constructed in the traditional way, once completed will become the Free School for underprivileged children in the area. The construction work was funded by philanthropists from Italy. Construction was due to be completed in December 2007, but has been on hold for a few months due to financial restraints. Currently, the Management Committee is seeking the support of an Organization/individual to facilitate the Management and administration of the school. It is worthwhile to mention that there are hundreds of children walking on the streets in this area living as beggars and bread winners for their families. Some are orphans and some have been encouraged by their parents due to extreme poverty. The Ashram Management aims at child rehabilitation and providing education for these children through this project.

KUMARA - THE MAN BEHIND THE SHOW

2007-09-17T16:21:00.004+05:30

Kumara,chose a different path to live his life, to become who he is now...
He works as an 'Indigenous Structural Architect', and has participated in numerous projects implemented by eco-tourism promoters in the country.

Native Houses in the premises

2007-09-17T16:13:00.000+05:30

Single and three storied houses built with dead tree trunks and clay, roofed with woven coconut leaves, painted using natural substances, fixed with solar powered lights and other utensils, an out of the world experience for the staying in visitors. Note the mountain range visible over the roof of the small house on the right side of the picture.

The Tusker of the Temple

2007-08-24T09:14:00.000+05:30

The tusker of the Skandhakumara temple bathing in the river 'Menik', meaning 'River of Gems'.