Saptha Kanya

Saptha Kanya
Saptha Kanya mountain range
Highest point
Coordinates06°53′52.74″N 80°29′59.97″E / 6.8979833°N 80.4999917°E / 6.8979833; 80.4999917
Naming
Native nameසප්ත කන්‍යා (Sinhala)
Geography
Saptha Kanya is located in Sri Lanka
Saptha Kanya
Saptha Kanya

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.

Origin of Name

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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

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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

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References

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