A Hindu temple known as Kaattu Maariyamman Kovil is situated in Paththana. The walk from the main road through the tea plantation, and St. Clare water falls by foot takes about half an hour to reach a small shrine inside a cave. There are many views of the St. Clare water falls while walking to the temple and from the temple. And, there are monkeys on the way, and in the temple.
People in the area believe that, the Maariyamman which is in the main shrine is very powerful, and protects the people from evil spirits. Especially the women in Paththana worship the deity and make vow. The women believe that when women are encountered with problems, they visit this particular temple, surrender themselves to the deity, and she will protect them, and guide them on the correct path. The travelers on Colombo-Hatton highway stop at this temple, make an offering, and worship.
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A view of the main entrance to the temple from the Colombo-Hatton main road
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Close up view of the main entrance to the temple from the mountain
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Side view of the main entarnce of the temple
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Beautifully carved sculptures at the main entrance welcome the devotees
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A view from the tea garden
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Another stone carved statue at the main entrance
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Main Mandapam of the temple
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View of St.Clairs water falls from the foot path to the temple
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St.Clairs water fall in Pathana
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Main shrine of the temple
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Vows are mostly made by women at this temple
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The idols are placed in a cave
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Devotees at the temple
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Devotees at the temple
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Kaaliyamman worship is popular among the people in the hill country
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Another stone idol is kept at the temple
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View of St.Clare water fall from Kaattu Maariyamman temple in Paththana
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Kaaliyamman worship is becoming popular among the unmarried women in Sri Lanka
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Travelers passing through Paththana stop by the Kaattu Maariyamman temple for blessings
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A view of the main entrance from the cave
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Another view of St.Clare water falls in Paththana
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Another beautifully carved statue stands at the entrance
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It's believed that the deity-Maariyamman guides her devotees
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Thirisoolam and Vel are kept along with the idol in the shrine
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Beautifully carved statues decorate the entrance
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Devotees believe Kaaliyamman protects them from evil spirits