The village of Navalady’s main Hindu temple is dedicated to Kadalaadciyamman, the “Sea Queen Mother.”

Known as both a fierce and protective goddess, local fishermen once sang songs to her as they launched their boats into the Bay of Bengal from the beach on the Eastern coast of Sri Lanka. Now, the temple lies in shambles, destroyed by the December 2004 tsunami. It sits unrestored looking out upon the ocean water that caused its demise. Kadalaadciyamman betrayed her people, failing to protect them from the sea’s deadly grasp.
Read More