On the landside of Galle Road, just before the junction with Lorenz Road, is the Pillaiyar Hindu kovil. While the temple itself is relatively recent, its location and importance date back to the last century.

Pilgrims going to Kataragama (in southern Sri Lanka, an important place of worship for people of all religions) used to stop here on their way to make offerings poojas.

For those who cannot make the journey to Kataragama, at the time of the water-breaking ceremony, usually in early August, the statue of Kataragama (Lord Murugan) is taken from the Kathiresan kovil in Sea Street, Pettah, and paraded through the streets of Colombo to the Pillaiyar kovil during the night; it is on display for about a week. The return journey usually happens during the daytime.

(The Essential guide for Colombo and its region By Philippe Fabry. P:57

Unique Sri Lanka

Pillaiyar Kovil

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