Kebiliththa (මහ සියඹලාව දේවාලය) - Divine Belief....

Kebiliththa (Kabiliththa, Kebaliththa) also known as “Siyambalawa devalaya” is considered a very sacred place among both Buddhists and Hindus. Devotees of God Katharagama come to visit this place and get blessings of God throughout the year. Nowadays with the advancement of technology, more people get to know about this sacred place, thus Kebiliththa also attracts visitors from many parts of the world.

According to the ancient story, on a rainy day God Kataragama (Skanda Kumara) had met his future wife Walli Amma at this place near a tamarind tree (“siyambala” tree in Sinhalese), from which it derives its name “Siyambalawa devalaya”. Devotees believe that God Kataragama resides and meditates at this sacred land. Therefore it is highly advised that you must not visit Kebilithta for fun and it is strictly a religious journey. If you are planning to visit this sacred place, you should become a pure vegetarian and must not consume alcohol for a minimum of seven days prior to the journey. Because of the mystic powers of Kabiliththa, people who had disobeyed these practices have faced many obstacles on their way back home.

Kebiliththa is situated in the heart of Yala National Park, Block IV and there are four main routes to visit Siyambalawa devalaya. However all of these routes are placed along the Yala jungle so it is not an easy ride for anyone. This extremely difficult drive not only requires a four-wheel drive vehicle with accessories such as winch, snatch belt, high lift jack, extra fuel etc., but also an experienced driver with four-wheel drive and mechanical skills. As you will be in the middle of a jungle, there won’t be any resting places to accommodate, so don’t forget to take your camping equipment and plenty of drinking water with you.

Even with these difficult conditions, people still attempt to make their way to Kebaliththa as it is a journey one must complete at least once in a life time. If you prepare yourself correctly with the true faith and belief in God Kataragama, you could also visit this beautiful sacred land, Kebaliththa.

Routes to Kebaliththa Devalaya

Route1 Kumana-> Kuda Kabaliththa->Ada Kumbuka->Gal amuna->Maha siyabalawa devalaya(Kebaliththa)

Route2   Yala->Block 2-> cross Kumbukkan Oya->Kuda Kabaliththa->Ada Kumbuka->Gal amuna ->Maha siyabalawa devalaya

Route3  Monaragala->Kodayana->5 Kanuwa (5th Post)->Kotiyagala->Bogas hanidiya road or Kammal yaya road->Maha siyabalawa devalaya (31Km from Kotiyagala to devalaya)

Route Condition

These routes are very difficult for traveling and at least two 4x4 vehicles are advisable.And 4X4 recovery accessories are needed(reliable winch+snatch belt+Hi-lift Jacks+Extra fuel+) with 4x4 driving skills.There are big tractors you can hire from Kotiyagala (for a tour about 12,000 LKR)    

Precaution
before you visit the place you need the faith of Katharagama God and need to prevent from "Kili" (meat ,alcohol etc) at least for 7 days. 

Things needed for Muluthan Poojawa for 10 Persons (in Sinhala) 

1. Suwadal Hal (rice) -2Kg
2. Mutti-1 (A Pot to 3 kg of rice)
3. Mee Pani-1/2 bottle (honey)
4. Kitul Pani-1/2 bottle
5. Mun ata-500g
6. Rata indi-500g
7. Muddaraffalam-250g
8. kitul hakuru-500g
9. Gas kaju Mada-250g
10. Mati Paththara-10(for 10 Persons)
11. Polkatu Handi-2
12. Koraha-1
13. Nabiliya-1
14. Sini-1Kg(sugar)
15. Pol Gedi-3
16. Lunu Kudu Packet-1
17. plastic Besama-2
18. Hiramana-1
19. Sudu redi -yara 5
20. Kahakudu packet-1
21. Sadun dara/kurudu dara
22. Loku Pihiya-1

For Bodi poojawa

1. tray-1
2. stainless steel cups-3
3. Bulath,Puwak,Hunu

And for accommodation

1. tents
2. lanterns/portable generator with CFL bulbs
3. Candles(large size)

Things needed for Palathuru(fruits) Poojawa for 1 Person (in Sinhala) 

1. Annasi(pineapple)-1
2. Apple-1
3. Naran-3
4. Dodam(Orange)-3
5. Delum(Pomegranate)-3
6. Midi(grapes)-250g
7. Ammba(Mango)-3
8. Diwul(Wood apple)-3
9. Beli(bael)-3
10. Ukgas Kali(sugarcane)-1
11. Kesel gedi(Banana-Rath,Suwadel,Kolikuttu)-11
12. Ratu Redi Yara-1
13. Nil Redi Yara-2
14. Indian Hadun Kuru Packet(incense sticks)-3
15. Kapuru Packet (Loku)-1
16. Polthel Bothal(Coconut Oil)-1
17. Pahanthira Packet(100)-2
18. Bulath Kola(betel leaves)-11
19. Sambrani packet-1
20. Pooja watti (Loku)-1
21. Pihiya(knife)-1
22. Kahakudu Packet(turmeric)-1
23. Thabili Gedi(king Coconut)-1
24. Pol Gedi(Coconut)-1
25. Gini Petti(Box of Matches)-1

The Poojawa Begins…. 
 
‘Om mauwaran piyawaran demarawaran dedawaran balawaran guruwaran divampath sandaranaka divakkarakarakata balayakata yaethi aybowewa aybowewa Ong‘ sadhu sadhu wandenwita wanden ba wanden uduathin wanden uruathin wanden wakkala athin wanden dikkala athin wanden kanda nama wanden banda nama wanden doth nama doth wandakillen sadhu ping athi budun dakina budu wena hamuduruwane eskawalen esakwalata mesakwalen mesakwalata….’