Thiru Ketheeswaram Temple, Thiruketheeswaram, Sri Thirukoneswarar Temple, Trincomalee / Thirukonamalai / Thirukoneswaram, Kanniya Hot springs, Kandy Murugan temple, Dambulla Buddhist Temple, Muthumariamman Temple Matale, Sri Soma Sundareswarar Temple at Kandy, Rama Baktha Hanuman Temple, Sri Gayathri Peedam Nuwara Eliya, Seetha Amman Temple, Kataragama ( Kathirkamam ) Periya Kovil, Swarna Sabeswarar Swamy temple / Ponnambaleswarar Temple, at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

6th December 2013

Since I have completed the darshan of 274 Devaram Paadal Petra Sthalangal, I would like to cover the balance of 2 Shiva temples in Sri Lanka also. My ambition is to do the darshan of all the SRI LANKAN yathra. 

28-11-2013, THURSDAY, FIRST DAY.

I was more anxious about the SRI LANKAN yatra between 28-11-2013 and 02-12-2013, so I could not sleep well on the night of the 27th. Reached Chennai Airport and joined Super Yathra Agencies of Kumbakonam to catch the flight to Sri Lanka. (M/s Super Yathra Agencies, in turn, has arranged this visit through Sri Lankan Holidays, a Travel Agency in Sri Lanka and Chennai. Mr Denzil, our guide, explained Sri Lanka’s History, Culture, Politics, Economy, Education, Religion, Business, etc., during the bus journey.  The details are written at the end of this article.  It was a 5-day visit to Sri Lanka. After completing all the formalities, we boarded the flight, which took off around  07.30 hrs from Chennai Airport. My long ambition came true when I landed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on an Air India Flight on the 28th.

Coming out of the airport in Colombo - Mr. Siddque of Super Yathra Agency leads the group
AIR INDIA flight takes off from Chennai - CLICK HERE

The train route to Mannar is under reconstruction after removing the land mines laid by the LTTE. We could not see any people moving on the road. On the roadside, shops were open, but nobody was there to buy. The name boards were written in Sinhalese, Tamil, and English.

We were lucky enough to join the evening pooja after traveling a distance of 215 km from Colombo Airport. There was not much of a crowd in the temple. Regular poojas are conducted as per agamam. The Palavi River is very near. Once it was a river, and now it is like a pond, and the water will be used to do abhishekam to Mahalingam during Maha Shivaratri.  

274 / 2. SRI THIRUKETHEESWARAM TEMPLE,( திருக்கேதீச்சரம் )

This is the 274th Paadal Petra Shiva Temple in Sri Lanka.

The 5-tier Raja Gopuram

Moolavar    : Sri Thiruketheeswarar

Consort      : Sri Gowriambal.

Some of the important features of this temple are …...

The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam, and Dwajasthambam are in front. At the entrance of the Rajagopuram, the Rishabam is an old one, and Ganapathi and Subramaniyar sannadhis. Adhikara Nandhi is on the left side of the Rajagopuram. 

In the inner praharam are Suryan, Storage place, Yaga salai,  Thirugnanasambandar, Kethu, Santhanasiriyars, Thirumaraikal, Chatur Vedas, Urchava murtis of Nalvar, Sekkizhar Peruman, 63var, and Sundarar. Next is Vinayagar, Somaskandar, Vishnu, Mahalingam (He was once a moolavar who was damaged during excavation), Subramaniyar, Deva Saba, Saraba Moorthy, Nataraja Peruman, Yaga salai, Bairavar,  Saneeswaran, and Chandran.

Utsavars

Navagrahas are in a Nirutha mandapam. Ambal Sri Gowri Ambal is facing south. Malaysian Tamils, Yazhpanam Periyava Vasuvappa, Ponnili Udayar, Arulambalam, Mannar Asst. Govt. official Arumugam are responsible for the thirupani of this temple. The temple has 5 Chariots, of which the Moolavar’s is the biggest. 

There are a lot of madams on the east street; some of them are Thirugnanasambandar madam, Sundarar madam, Nattukottai Chettiars madam, Amma madam, Pasumadam, Poonagariyar madam; on the south street Swamy madam, Sivarathri Madam, Nesavu madam, Sthapathis madam; on the west street  Gurukula madam; and on North street Navalar madam, Vishwakarma madam, Thirukkuripu Thondar madam, Annadhana mandapam.

HISTORY 

This temple is in the north part (North Province) of Sri Lanka at Maanthai alias Maathotta Nagar on the banks of the Pallavi River ( Now it has become like a lake) near Mannar. Once it was a port, used for business by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, etc. Maha Dhuvatta, a deva thachan, worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple; hence this place was called Mahadhuvatta Puram and later called Mathottam. Also, Manthai originally came from Maha Sandhai (மகா சந்தை - a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly held marketplace called sandhai)

The temple was completely destroyed by the Portuguese and was reconstructed later.  Next to this are the Pappa Mottai, Maaligai Thidal, Vettaiyamurippu, Kovilkulam, Paddy field,  Coconut trees, etc. During the Chozhas period, Chozha King Rajarajasekaran’s son Rajendran called this place Arunmozhithevan Valanadu. Also called Manthottathu Rajarajapuram. The Place Pappamottai once was a raised land occupied by the Brahmins who had done pujas to this temple, and the Vettaiyamurippu was used for conducting Thirukethareeswarar’s Vettai thiruvizha.

The inscriptions from the old temple site tell us about the Chozha’s contribution to this temple. In addition to this, the inscriptions at Chidambaram temple also throw some light on the thiruppani done by the Pandya King Sundarapandian to this temple. 

The temple was once under the control of  Chingaiyaria Kings who also controls the Rameswaram of Tamil Nadu.

Even though the temple was destroyed, the moorthams were safely buried under the earth. This was informed by Sri la Sri Arumuga Navalar, who lived in the year 1872, through bit notices, and he was instrumental in bringing out of the temple details to this world after it was destroyed.

The temple was constructed on 43 acres of land through an open auction for Rs 3100.00 by Thiru Rama. Aru. Palaniappa Chettiar from the British Governor U Willams Duvanaima Durai in a postponed 2nd-time auction on 13-12-1893 (The first time went up to Rs 3050, which the Saivaites could not mobilize the money and was asked by Christians).

The important people involved in the reconstruction of this temple are Palaniappa Chettiar, Pasupathi Chettiar, and Neeraviyadi Vai. Arumugam, Vaithiyar Ramu Pillai,  Raghava Pillai from Tamil Nadu, and Latter for thirupani Somasundaram Chettiar (1952) of Kulasekarapattinam, 

During reconstruction, the old sanctum sanctorum, Artha mandapam, Balipeedam, and Dwajastham were unearthed. Damage occurred to the moola Lingam (Maha Lingam) during excavation was installed in the praharam. The estimated cost of the temple was Rs 22000 for moolavar and Ambal sannadhis.

Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1903, 1910, 1948, 1956 (Sri Somasundaram Desikar, Madurai Aadheenam, and  Polioli Sivapatha Sundaram are responsible), 1960 (Sri la Sri Arumuga Navalar’s student  Kasi vasi Senthilnatha Iyer with the help of Tamil Nadu’s Sthapathis Tirupati), 1971 and 1976 in various stages.

From 14-09-1956,  the responsibility for the maintenance of this temple was transferred to Eelam Sivanadiyar from Nattukottai Chettiars. But still, Chettiar participation is there.

The Somaskandar is the largest in the world and was made at Ketheeswaram itself. The idol was made of panchalogam (5 metals), of which nearly 112 grams of gold had been added.

The biggest Somaskandar in the world (112 grams of gold was added while making)

For this temple, the Devara Thirupathigam meanings are written by Sri Ponnambalam Pillai, the son-in-law of Sri la Sri Arumuga Navalar.

(The Details were taken from the temple's book released during the recent Kumbhabhishekam, the Paadal Petra Sthalangal details book written by Thiru Pu. ma. Jaya Senthilnathan of Kanchipuram Sankara Mutt and during the actual visit to this temple).

LEGENDS 

The Lord was worshiped by Kethu, Maha Dhuvatta, Sri Ramar, Agasthiyar, and Ravanan. Since Kethu was worshiped, the temple was called Thiruketheeswaram. 

Moolavar vimanam

Rishabam Mandapam

Maha Lingam (This is the original  one. This was damaged during excavation and hence installed in the praharam)

We could not see many houses near the temple. Since we were running short of time, we could not go around the temple and also had to travel to Anuradhapura, where we had to stay at Hotel Mirinday for the next day’s travel to Thirukonamalai.

29-11-2013, FRIDAY, SECOND DAY.

The second day’s journey was a tough one, and the total distance covered was 488 KM both up and down. The reconstruction of the road from Anuradhapura to Trincomalee is in progress after removing the land mines laid by LTTE during the war.

The temple is on a small hill near the seashore. The bus dropped us at the base of the temple. A fort was built around the temple by the Portuguese after destroying the temple. Most of the people preferred auto-rickshaws, and a few people climbed up the hill along with me, enjoying the beauty of nature. We could see a lot of military movement on the road. Reached the Temple around 11.45 hrs.

  

A Poster of the temple at the entrance 

273/1. KONESWARAM TEMPLE, THIRUKONAMALAI

( Trincomalee- திருக்கோணேச்சரம்  திருக் கோணேச்சரம் கோயில் )

This is the 273rd Paadal Petra Shiva temples in Sri Lanka.

Entrance to the temple with Rajagopuram on the north side

Moolavar    : Sri Thirukoneswarar

Consort      : Sri Mathumayal

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple faces east with a 3-tier Rajagopuram. Artha mandapam, Snapana mandapam, Vasantha mandapam, Yagasalai, and Pagasalai are in the temple as per Agamam. In Snapana mandapam, Sri Sivakama Sundari Sametha Sri Natarajar.

View of moolavar from Dwajasthambam

In Deva Sabha, panchaloha moorthams of Sri Valli Deivanai Sametha Sri Subramaniar, Somaskandar, and Chandrasekar are worth seeing. In the praharam, the murtis of Suryan, Chandran, Naagar, Bhairavar, and Chandikeswarar are. Kasi. The present temple was reconstructed as per Aagamam. The old idols of Sri Mathumayal sametha  Sri Koneswara, Chandrasekar,  Parvathy, Pillayar, and Asthira Devar, taken from the wells and ponds, were reinstalled.  (This was found out when the Govt. authorities were excavating a well).

Moolavar Vimanam

HISTORY

This temple has a history of 3287 years. This place was originally called Thirikooda. During that period, there were three temples: one on the hilltop,  one in the middle, and a third at the base of the hill.  The old temple was destroyed by the Portuguese after taking the drawings of Vimanas and Rajagopuras. I was told that the drawings are still available in the Visben (Lisbon ?) museum.

The idols were saved by the devotees and dropped in the wells and ponds to be taken out in the latter period during the Portuguese war. New temple reconstruction was started after independence in 1950, and the Shiva Lingam was brought from. The temple has land for burning lamps with ghee, and the Lotus thread was used.

This temple is situated in a beautiful atmosphere with good water springs and near the Bay of Bengal. Service institutions with residences are around the temple.

The Portuguese Fort

Entrance to the fort

The history of the fort

Banyan trees

Direction board to the temple

A banyan tree is swallowing the palm tree

Blackbuck deer are grazing

The guns may be used by the LTTE.

Stucco image of Lord Shiva

Ambal Sri Mathumayal Sannadhi 

Natarajar Sabha

West  side Rajagopuram

Utsava Idols

History of the temple

Stucco images around Kal alamaram/Banyan tree, grown on the rock)

Ravana worshiping Lord Shiva - A stucco image

As planned, we could not see the Bhadrakali Amman Temple (Built during the 11^th century by the Tamil King Rajendra Chozha),  so we proceeded to Anuradhapura. On the way, we went to KANNIYA Hot Water Springs. It must be a place of volcanic activity. It was believed that these 7 hot water springs/wells were created by Ravana for his mother's last rites. The water in the wells has different temperatures. The first one has a high temperature, and the last one has a lower temperature.

Kanniya Hot Water Springs.

 The Seven Hot Water Wells

Also, we saw a dilapidated structure partially excavated. It was said that the structure was built by two Kings who ruled that place. Since the structure is adjacent to the hot water wells, the structure might have been used to perform the last rites. We could not find any inscriptions.

The excavated dilapidated  structure

Also, there is a Shiva Lingam housed in a building, constructed recently. (The Shiva Lingam must be an old one and might have been taken from the dilapidated structure). Reached Anuradhapura Hotel around 19.30 Hrs.

   

Shiva temple

30-11-2013, SATURDAY, THIRD DAY.

Continued our third-day journey From ANURADHAPURA to KANDY. 

Arulmigu Kathiresan Kovil / Kathiresan Temple/ Kadireshan Kovil / அருள்மிகு கதிரேசன் கோவில்,  Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

 

First, we went to a Murugan temple. There is no main idol; instead, a Spear / Vel is installed. In the praharam are Vinayagar, Murugan, Nagar, Lakshmi, Navagrahas, and Natarajar Sabha. 

Front tiles roof mukha mandapam

Our group

Moolavar Vimanam 

Sannadhis in the prakaram

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple / Buddhist Temple, Dambulla, Sri Lanka.

On the way, we went to Dambulla, a Buddhist temple. This temple was built during the First century and has  5 caves with paintings like Ellora and Ajanta in India.  Due to a lack of time, we did not go inside.

Buddha Temple 

On the way to Kandy, we visited the Ranweli spice garden at Matale, where a lot of spices were grown. There were about 23 varieties of medicinal plants. It was believed that a piece of Sanjeevani hill had fallen down, which Hanuman brought from the Himalayas to cure Lakshman (Rama). Guides explained the benefits of spices and medicinal plants. Massages are done using the herbs (free and sample). We had our lunch at Matale Spice Garden restaurant.

Jathi kai with Jathipathri.

Coco

Ladies are playing drums to entertain the tourists

Name Board

Sri Muthumari Amman Kovil / ஸ்ரீ முத்துமாரி அம்மன் கோவில் – மாத்தளை / Matale, Sri Lanka.

After Lunch at Matale Spice Garden Restaurant, we went to Sri Muthumariamman Temple. This temple has a 9-tier Rajagopuram with a magnificent view. Kumbhabhishekam was performed recently. Most of the Stucco images were done by Tamil Nadu Mamallapuram Sthapathis. The history of the temple goes like this. During British rule, Tamil people from India were brought to Sri Lanka to work in the Tea Estates with a heavy workload. People were accommodated in a cramped shelter. Due to unhygienic conditions, people got measles. Then they worshiped Muthumariamman and got cured. To thank for relieving from the disease they constructed this temple and expanded later.

West side entrance 

The 9-tier Rajagopuram

The 9-tier Rajagopuram

South side entrance 

View of the temple complex

Sri Somasundareswarar Temple / Pillaiyar Kovil, Kandy, Sri Lanka.   

Moolavar    : Sri Soma Sundareswarar

Consort      : Sri Meenakshi

The important features of this temple are….

The Rajagopuram is of 5-tiers with a magnificent view. Nandhi peruman in a silver kavasam, which is unique in this temple. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In the koshtam are Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.

In the inner praharam are Bhadrakali Amman, Naalvar, Kalyana Venkatesa Perumal, Maha Ganapathy, Somasundarar, Rajarajeswari (Urchavar), Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi, Pancha Lingam, Maha Lakshmi, Arumuga Swamy,  Navagrahas (In sitting posture), and Thillai Chirsabai.

In the Mandapam sannidhi for Dhandayuthapani, Selva Vinayagar, Panchamuga Vinayagar, Meenakshi Ambal, and Palliyarai.

The mandapam paintings belong to the Vinayagars. The temple and mandapam are built of stone by Nattukottai Chettiars.

The 5-tier Rajagopuram

Pancha mukha Lingeswarar

Thillai Chitrambalam

Vinayagar - Urchavar

Nandhiyam Peruman after abhishekam

Sri Dalada Maligawa, A Buddhist Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka.

 

After the darshan of Lord Sri Soma Sundareswarar, we went to a Buddha Temple – Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. The temple has the relic of Buddha’s teeth. The relic was kept at the center of the building on the first floor, which is made of wood with intricate carvings. There are a lot of paintings and Murals. One such painting was about the function of bringing rain. People with a whip/chavukku, fire lamps, Sri Lankan nadhaswaram, and drums, and elephants with relics go in procession. This signifies the Thunder, Lightning, wind, and rain clouds (Elephants). The river Manavali flows around the city of Kandy. The meaning of Kandy is Sanyasi City. (Kandy – Senkatapura, Senkata = Sanyasi, Pura = City). After visiting Buddha’s relic–teeth temple stayed at Hotel Senani, Kandy. It was interesting to note that Buddha had visited Sri Lanka three times.

Entrance to the Buddha's temple (Security check will be done here)

View during the night - a beautiful lighting view 

Sinhala music is being played before opening the shrine

The Architecture  of the central mandapam where Buddha's relic is kept - see the beauty of the mandapam kodungaikal

The painting of Buddha's relic was carried hidden in hair by the princes Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha.

A painting of Buddha's relic was carried hidden in hair by the princes Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha.

Some of the paintings 

Some of the paintings 

Some of the paintings 

Painting of the temple, 1891 CE

We stayed at Hotel Senani. The garden at the hotel was maintained beautifully.

Thiruvodu tree

01-12-2013, SUNDAY, FOURTH DAY

From KANDY we proceeded to KATARAGAMA (Kathirkamam). On the way, we crossed the City of NUWARA ELIYA. This means the City of Lights. Tea and rubber plantations are important activities in this place. This place is also called Little England, where British people stayed here during summer.

On the way, we saw the waterfalls called  Ravana Koda (Thawalanthenna). It was believed that Ravana had taken a bath in these waterfalls.

Ravana falls

Then we went to the Hanuman Temple on a small hill. The temple is about 2.5 km off the main road. Due to a lack of time, we were advised to go by AUTO to the Hanuman temple. The temple is being maintained by the Chinmaya Mission. The Hanuman statue might be about 20 feet tall. It is believed that Hanuman visited this place first in search of Seetha. Special poojas are conducted every full moon day. At the base of this hill, there is a small Vinayagar sannidhi called Sri Varadharaja Vinayagar.

SRI RAMA BAKTHA HANUMAN TEMPLE  

Sri Varadharaja Pillayar - at the base of the foothill

Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Painting on the basement floor

A beautiful mountain view

After Hanuman’s Darshan, we went to GAYATHRI PEEDAM at NUWARA ELIYA. Also called Gayathri Siddhar Peedam. There are 108 Bana Lingas brought from the Narmada River of India, waiting for installation. It was believed that the Lingams are growing day by day due to regular poojas, and sweating also appears on the banam. The Peedam was founded by Sri Sri Murugesu Swamigal and managed by his disciple Sri Kannaya Swamikal.

It was believed that Ravana’s son Meganathan (Indrajith) had done dhabas at this place to get victory for his father. To acknowledge his dhabas, Mummoorthigal came to this place and blessed him. (Despite this, Ravanan was defeated by Sri Rama is the real story).

SRI GAYATHRI PEEDAM at NUWARA ELIYA.

Moolavar    : Sri Mrityunjaya Devan

Consort      : Sri Gayathri Devi ( with five faces in a sitting posture )

In the mandapam, idols /sila roopam of Mummoorthigal (Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu) along with Sri Vinayagar. In Gayathri Devi’s sannadhi koshtam, Sri Rama Gayatri, Vishnu Gayatri and Krishna Gayatri. There are separate sannadhis for Sri Agasthiyar and Vishwamitra.

It was interesting to note that regular classes on Arulneri for the Tamil students on Sundays are being conducted from 08.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs. Saiva samayam, Nayanmars, Devaram, and Thiruvasagam are taught to the students. (Really great indeed). 

Entrance to the main shrine

Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu

Agasthiyar

Vishnu Gayatri

After lunch, we went to SEETHA ELIYA – Seetha Amman Temple. In the main sannadhi both marble and stone moorthams of Anjaneya, Lakshmanan, Ramar, and Seetha.  There is a separate sannadhi for Anjaneyar. The guide showed us the footprint of Anjaneyar on the riverbed. In the mandapam, there are painting of Ramayan Story.

SRI SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE

Entrance from the side - Road at a higher level

Moolavar Vimanams

Moolavar Vimanam

Lakshman, Ram, and Seetha (Marble and Stone moorthangal)

Hanuman Sannidhi

Paintings of the epic Ramayana story

Paintings of the epic Ramayana Story

Hanuman's footprints.

Ashoka Vanam, where Sita was kept

Our previous plan was to have the darshan of Kathirkamam Murugan on the fifth day. Since we had to travel a long distance on the fifth day, we decided to have the darshan on the fourth day itself. So we straightaway went to KATARAGAMA (KATHIRKAMAM) Periya Kovil. A Buddha sannadhi was also constructed to the left of Sri Vinayagar Sannadhi. The details are as follows.

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya (Kathirkamam) Periya Kovil, Kataragama, Sri Lanka.

In the main shrine sannadhi for Buddha, Vinayagar, and Sri Murugan.

On the right side, separate sannadhis for Vishnu Koil, Bhairavar, Deivanai, and Guru peedam, where we can see the 7 Siddhar jeeva Samadhis.

Valli Sannadhi, Bhadrakali Amman, and Sivan sannidhi are opposite to the main shrine.

It was believed that there were no idols/murtis inside the sannadhi, and we had to worship the screens printed with the respective gods. (Some people said that there is a chakram and soolam inside, and poojas are conducted for that.)

In the Murugan temple large-sized pictures of Sri Valli, and Deivanai with Murugan marriage. Once a year, Lord Murugan will come out and marry Valli near Valli Sannadhi. At that time also, the murti will not be visible. Will be completely covered with flowers.

The night pooja is being conducted by Muslims (Do not know the reason)

The hunter people are given importance in this temple since Valli belongs to Veduvar kulam (Hunters).

On the entrance arch, neon light is written as KATARAGAMA PERIYA KOVIL (The direction sign board also says that Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya).

Direction board

Entrance arch to the Kathikamam Murugan Temple

Sri Murugan Sannadhi

Buddha's sannadhi

A Big Peepal (Bodhi tree)

Must be a Shiva Lingam

Valli's sannadhi

Valli is standing under the tree

Shiva Temple

The man in blue is Mr Srinivasan of Samrat Travels, who had arranged for Kailash darshan

02-12-2013, MONDAY, FIFTH DAY.

Today is the last day in Sri Lanka, and we have to travel a long distance to reach Colombo. We traveled along the seashore. On the way, we spent some time at Galle Beach. The tides were very high due to the new moon. We saw many people surfing on the tides.

Galle beach
Video taken at Galle Beach to see: CLICK HERE

Also, we crossed the Galle Fort constructed by the Dutch (This is the place where the Thiruchendur Idols are Kept, which were stolen by the Dutch). And opposite to that, there is a Cricket stadium

 

Fort built by the Dutch

From Galle to Colombo, we traveled through the Expressway at a speed of 100 km per hour. The road was very good, and we were able to cover the distance of 110 km in an hour. The traffic was very minimal, and we could not see any lorry movement. There were no road intersections throughout the stretch. Sitting on the bus, we saw the Parliament, Parks, and the corporation building (Like the White House of the USA).

Convention hall 

White House -  Corporation Govt Building 

A Park 

From Galle to Colombo, we traveled on the Expressway at a speed of 100 km per hour. The road was very good, and we were able to cover the distance of 110 km in an hour. The traffic was very minimal, and we could not see any lorry movement. There were no road intersections throughout the stretch. Sitting on the bus, we saw the Parliament, Parks, and the corporation building (Like the White House of the USA).

Before going shopping, we went to Sri Ponnambala Vaneswarar temple. The temple was built about 150 years ago by Nattaukottai Nagarathars. Mr Ramanathan is one of those involved in the construction of this temple.

Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devastanam Kovil, Kotahena, ஸ்ரீ பொன்னம்பலவனேஸ்வரம் கோவில். கொட்டாஞ்சேனை ශ්‍රී පොන්නම්බලවානේස්වරර් දේවස්ථානය, කොටහේන, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The 5-tier Rajagopuram

Moolavar    : Sri Swarna Sabeswarar Swamy

Consort      : Sri Sivakami Ambal

Some of the important details of this temple are …..

The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam, and Rishabam are in the inner praharam. In the koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durgai.

In the praharam, Kanni Moola Vinayagar, Somaskandar, Pancha Lingangal, Maha Vishnu, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Urchavars, Saneeswaran, Urchava Moorthangal, Bhairavar, Swarna Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Chandran, Suryan, Yaga Salai, and Naalvar.

In the Maha Mandapam, Urchavar is kept inside screens printed like Shiva and Parvati in Kailasam with motor operation.

Ambal Sri Sivakami is in a separate sannadhi facing south. The praharam lamps are similar to those at Thiruvannamalai temple. The outer praharam is spacious with sannadhi for Anjaneyar. Muthumariamman and Naagar.

The temple was built of stone by Nattukottai Nagarathars

                        Urchavar - Sri Valli Devasena sametha Arumugar                                       

Lingothbavar

Hanuman, Lakshman, Ram, and Seetha 

Went shopping after darshan. This is the last item of our visit to SRI LANKA. We had spent our fifth day’s night at Hotel Global Towers. This hotel was ceremonially opened in Aug 2004 by then-Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Early morning around 05.30 Hrs reached Colombo Airport. Converted my Sri Lankan currency to US Dollars ( may be useful for future travel ).

Goodbye to Sri Lanka.

After completing all the formalities the flight took off at 09.30 Hrs and reached Chennai around 11.00 Hrs, After reaching Chennai scared of walking on the roads by seeing the traffic and people everywhere.

ABOUT SRI LANKA – MY OBSERVATIONS.

The Name Lanka was obtained from the Great Ramayan Story and later Sri was added.  The preset Capital is Kandy after Anuradhapura. The Capital will be decided based on the place where the Buddha relic is being kept. The main language is Sinhala. ( It was interesting to note that the written language was done by 18 Tamil Scholars who came from India). The name Sinhalese came after a King, who ruled Sri Lanka and was born to a  Bengali prince and a Lion. Singa – Lion and Le – Blood, Blood of a Lion.

The important kings who ruled were the Cholas and  Pandyas from Tamil Nadu, India. Later, the British, Portuguese, and Dutch. 

The total population of Sri Lanka is 2 crore, of which 80% are Sinhalese, and 18% are Tamilians. The major religion is Buddhism. The main income of the Island is from Tea, Rubber, Spices, and precious stones like Sapphire, Emerald, Topaz, Coconut, and lastly  Tourism.

• The important jobs are Tea plantation, Agriculture (paddy cultivation is by direct sowing), and fishing.
• There are 5 main rivers. The climate is not too warm and not too cold. Sri Lanka gets rain from two monsoons via the southeast and Northwest. We can see green everywhere.
• The roofs of the houses are built with tiles or asbestos, except for multi-story buildings.
• Most people are energy conscious and use energy-efficient CFL bulbs, and even street lights are fitted with CFL lamps.
• Vehicles are imported from Japan and India.  Most of the buses are from TATA, Ashok Leyland, and Isuzu. Four-wheelers are from TATA, Maruti, Toyota, Mahindra, etc. In three-wheeler Bajaj, TVS and Ape. Motorcycles are from Bajaj, Honda, Suzuki, and TVS.
• The cost of living is high since most of the materials are being imported.
• The Autos are painted Red, Green, Black, and Beige depending on the year of registration. The numbers are similar to those in our country, starting with their provenance. The Autos are not fitted with meters but are charging nominally.
• The roads are very good for travel and driving. Has minimum Signals.
• People are very disciplined and used to cross mainly at zebra crossings. The drivers stop their vehicles when people cross the road.
• The crime rate is very low, and the Sinhalese are cordial and friendly. The people are more afraid of religious laws than the Laws enforced by the Government.
• Education is Compulsory up to school and is free.
• The important thing we noticed was that there was no waste like Plastic, paper, etc. strewn on the streets. Streets and roads are kept neat and clean.
• Marriages are mainly arranged by the parents. It is conducted over two days. The first day will be at the bride's house and all the colors will be white (Dress and all the materials used), and mainly relatives of the bride will attend. The second day of the marriage will be at the bridegroom's residence, and the bridegroom's relatives will be attending. The color of the dress and materials will be red. The main qualification for the Bridegroom is that he should run a business or a Job and also possess his own House. Mostly, divorce and remarriage are avoided. The girl, after marriage, will be given importance in society if she gives birth to a child as early as possible.
• Last but not least, we could not see real estate or advertisements in any form throughout Sri Lanka.

The Tour Operators may be contacted for further details

1.   Super Yathra Agency, Nageswaran Street, Kumbakonam.

Contact person: Siddique

Contact numbers: 9443875802, +914352400557

2.  Sri Lankan Holidays, No. 9 North Bog Road, T Nagar, Chennai 600017

Contact Person:  R C Shoba

Contact Numbers: 9789846615, 43546651, 45544242,43546641

E-mail address: lsrsrilanka@gmail.com

3.   DENZIL K D D Wijesinghe, No. 30 A 70, Rukmalgama, Pannipitiya, Sri Lanka.

Contact Numbers: 0773519519, 0773948808, 0777615128

Email address: denziltourism@gmail.com

 Our guide, Mr Denzil

The bus crew in front of a tea factory

The Luxury coaches (cost 1 crore Sri Lankan Currency )

Roommates - Mr. Thangaiya ( a Retired Professor, 84 years young),  Rajendran from Mayiladuthurai, and myself.

See the water droplets

---OM  SHIVAYA NAMA:---