At the foothill of Okanda Malai is the Vêlâyuta Cuvâmi or Kanta Cuvâmi Temple, dedicated to God Skanda. Here the Murukan temple is at the foot of the hill, while his sweetheart Valli occupies the peak. Okanda Malai, a remote rock-hill on the coast at the intersection of the Eastern and Southern Provinces, has been referred by tradition as one of the places where Emperor Ravana halted for worship on his journeys from Lankapuri to Koneswaram. The theme of taking rest is reflected in the name Ukantai, for it is said that here Lord Murukan and others 'sat down' (utkantâr) and rested. Okanda Hill top has by long tradition been cited as one of the places where a divine katir from Lord Skanda struck. Veddas preserved the sanctity of the place with a simple shrine of stick and ola leaves. According to another myth, the third ray from Vâkura Hill reached here and came to rest on this hilltop, making it a favorite site for Murukan worship. There is yet a third myth according to whi
V. P. Sivapragasam Akkaraipattu group correspondent AKKARAIPATTU: The sylvan shrine of the Ukanthamalai Sri Murugan Kovil, in the jungle amidst rocks, devoted to the Kataragama Deity, is teeming with pilgrims as the annual festival began on July 15 with the “Mayoora Flag-Hoisting” ceremonies, conducted by a dozen priests. The Ven. Shiva Agama Kiriya-Juti, Siddhantha Banu Shiva Sri Sita Ram Kurukal conducted the poojas assisted by Ven. Isana Shiva Achariyar, Shiva Sri Sat Chit Ananda Kurukal, Shiva Sri Illi Palanivel Kurukal, Shiva-Sri M. Vettivel Kurukal and Shiva Sri M. Uma Sutha Sarma. The inspiring ceremonies and rites began in the morning and continued till late afternoon, in the midst of chanting of sacred Sankrit hymns, and cries of “Haro-Hara.” The Chairman of the Temple Committee, Nadarajah Tharmalingam, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ampara District and several local Heads of Departments and institutions participated in the ceremonies. The security in the