Saptha Kanya

For the film, see Saptha Kanya (film). For Hindu goddesses, see Matrikas.

Saptha Kanya (Sinhala: සප්ත කන්‍යා) (Meaning - Seven Virgins) (also known as Upper Laxapana Mountain Range) is a mountain range in Maskeliya, Sri Lanka. In Tamil it is known as Anjimalai (Tamil: அஞ்சிமலை) (Meaning - The Five Peaks). It is a ridge of seven peaks near the Norton Estate bordering the Sabaragamuwa Province and Central Province. The tallest peak is 1,569 m from the sea level.

Saptha Kanya
Saptha Kanya mountain range
Highest point
Coordinates	06°53′52.74″N 80°29′59.97″E
Naming
Native name	සප්ත කන්‍යා (Sinhala)
Geography
Saptha Kanya Maskeliya, Sri Lanka

Origin of Name

The literal meaning of the name Saptha Kanya is Seven Virgins. However, folklore also mentions that the name is a corruption of Svaptha Kanya, meaning Sleeping Virgin.

Aircraft Incident

4 December 1974, the aircraft, Martinair Flight 138 crashed into the mountain shortly before landing, killing all 191 people aboard – 182 Indonesian hajj pilgrims bound for Mecca, and 9 crew members.^[1]

See also

• Geography of Sri Lanka
• List of mountains in Sri Lanka

References

1. "1970". martinair.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2015.