Okanda
Okanda
உகந்தை | |
|---|---|
 Pond in front of Ukanthamalai Velayuda Swami Temple | |
| Country | Sri Lanka |
| Province | Eastern |
| District | Ampara |
Okanda is a small hamlet in the eastern coast of Sri Lanka within the Ampara District. It is known for its shrine dedicated to Hindu deity Murugan known as Ukanthamalai Murugan Kovil and for surfing. Pilgrims from the Eastern Province stop over at the Murugan temple on their way to Kataragama temple in the Southern part of the island.[1]
Etymology
Okanda corruption of the name Ukantai is the name of the town, for it is said that here Lord Murugan and others 'sat down' (ukantār) and rested.
References
- ^ Harrigan, Patrick. "Ukanta Malai Velâyudha Swâmi Shrine, Okanda". Retrieved 2 September 2011.