Menik Ganga blocked by concrete walkway

Priyan De Silva - Matara Sports Correspondent

The flow of the Menik Ganga between the left bank of the river and the islet on which the historical Shri Purana Lord Ganesh Temple at Sella Kataragama also known as the Gange Dewalaya stands, has been blocked by a concrete walkway diverting the flow of water.

This may result in the temple being submerged in time of flood as it did on November 26, 2011 or even be destroyed by flood waters in the future.

As a custom, pilgrims first cleanse themselves with the waters of the river before entering the sanctuary of the temple. In the past, pilgrims waded across the river to pay homage at this holy spot.

It is also a custom that one approaches a place of worship from the front rather than the rear. It is considered disrespectful even to turn one's back on a shrine and normally there are exits on the side. But this is the way pilgrims enter now.

A concrete walkway which connects the left bank to the rear of the temple has blocked the natural flow of the river along the left channel and pilgrims are compelled to approach the temple premises from its rear.

The Sri Purana Lord Ganesh Temple situated in Sella Kataragama is revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

According to legend, the temple is said to be situated on the spot where Lord Skanda wedded his native sweetheart Valli. The temple was dedicated to Skanda's brother Lord Ganesha who is said to have had a hand in wedding the couple.

It is believed that the wedding ceremony took place on an islet on the Kapkanduru Oya now known as Menik Ganga (River of Gems) which flowed past Valli's cave dwelling.

This cave still exists on the premises of the Shri Valli Matha Purana Gallen Viharaya on the banks of the Menik ganga. The Gange Dewalaya faces downstream of the river and is on the lower most part of the island.

It is said that Pusaris from India were in charge of the Lord Ganesh temple from its day of existence. The government vested the land surrounding the temple with the Vedihitikanda Development

Trust limited in 1979 or 1980. The main trustees were said to be the chief incumbent of the Vedihitikanda Viharaya, member of parliament for Wellawaya and secretary to the President.