Samudra Cottage, Colombo: "Naturally at the Taj"

Kataragama Ashram

Muruga Bhakti Ashrams

Murugan Bhakti is nothing new or unusual in Sri Lanka and South India. In every hamlet one can find devotees of Skanda-Murugan. Wherever Murugan bhaktas assemble, as at Palani or Tiruchendur or Kataragama or even at remote villages along the pada yatra pilgrims' routes, some devotees join hands to create facilities for pilgrims and devotees to rest, strive and celebrate. Most are in remote rural areas, yet others may be found even in the heart of metropolitan areas of Madras and Colombo.

Murugan bhaktars typically agree upon a common set of principles as laid down by ancient poets, siddhas and rishis like Arunagirinathar. All over the Indian subcontinent, ashrams operate according to age-old principles of Varnashrama Dharma.

The typical ashram is a wattle-and-daub thatched hut upon a half acre of land occupied by a lone sadhaka engaged in sadhana as taught by his (or her) teacher. If the ashram resident is consulted in advance, often one may stay for a few days in the spartan setting while learning more about Murugan bhakti in practice.

This listing includes well-established ashrams as well as new ashrams yet being developed.

Muruga Bhakti Ashrams in Sri Lanka

1. Kataragama Kæle Kendra, Kataragama
2. Okanda-Kudumbigala Heritage Reserve, Ampara dist.
3. The Samudra Cottage, Colombo Galle Face
4. Ulpotha Sanctuary, Kurunegala dist
5. Selli Amman Muruga Bhakti Ashram, Sambalttivu, Trinco dist.
6. Pattitidal Muruga Bhakti Ashram, Mutur, Trinco dist.
7. Pada Yatra Madam, Vantarumoolai, Batticaloa dist.
8. Udappu Bhakti Ashram, Chilaw dist
9. Singharaja Rainforest Bhakti Kendraya
10. Mandur Kandaswami Yogashram, Mandur
11. Sri Lingeswarar Asramam, Navithanveli, Ampara dist
12. Mani Swami Yogasramam, Tirukkovil
13. Kali Amman Yogashram, Vinayagarpuram, Tirukkovil
14. Kathirkamam Bhaktar Ashram, Kaluwanchikudi
15. Siva Thondan Asramam, Kokkadichcholai

Muruga Bhakti Ashrams in Tamil Nadu

1. Nattukotta Chetty Chattiram, Tiruttani
2. Vallimalai Tiruppukazh Asramam, Vellore dist
3. Om Muruga Asramam, West Mambalam, Chennai
4. Vaishnavi Devi Ashram, Tirumullaivayal, Chennai
5. Tiruppugazh Sangamam, Chennai
6. Sri Skandasramam, Udayapatti, Salem dist
7. Sri Skandasramam, Tambaram, Chennai
8. Mailam Muruga Asramam, Mailam near Pondicherry
9. Kaumara Mutt, Coimbatore-6
10. Annai Pozhil, Avanac, Tiruppur, Coimbatore dist
11. Sri Premananda Ashram, Viralimalai, a haven for Muruga bhaktars
12. Sri Murugananda Tiruppukazh Manimantiram, Tiruchendur
13. Sri Ramji Ashram, Kumarakoil, Kanyakumari dist

For details about other activities of the KDT go to the
Kataragama Kæle Kendra home page.