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.

6, December 2013

Since I had completed the darshan of 274 Devaram Paadal petra Sthalangal and would like to cover the balance 2 Shiva temples in Sri Lanka also. My ambition of doing darshan of all the SRI LANKAN yathra. 

28-11-2013, THURSDAY, FIRST DAY.

I was more anxious for the SRI LANKAN yathra between 28-11-2013 to 02-12-2013, so could not sleep well on 27th night. Reached Chennai airport and joined with Super Yathra Agencies, of Kumbakonam to catch the flight to Sri Lanka. (   M/s Super Yathra Agencies, in turn  has arranged this visit through Srilankan Holidays, a Travel Agency of Sri Lanka and Chennai. Mr Denzil, our Guide explained the 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 days 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 has came to true when I landed at Colombo, Sri Lanka  through Air India Flight on 28

Coming out of Airport at Colombo - Mr Siddque of Super Yathra Agency leads the group
AIR INDIA flight take  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 the peoples movement on the road. On the road side shops were open but nobody is there to buy. The name boards were  written in Sinhalese, Tamil and English.

We are lucky enough to join the  evening pooja after travelling a distance of 215 KM from Colombo Airport.  There was not much crowd in the temple.  Regular poojas are conducted as per agamam. The river Palavi is very near. Once it was a river and now 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 is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. Balipeedam, Rishabam and Dwajasthambam  are in front.  At the entrance of Rajagopuram the Rishabam is a old one and Ganapathi and Subramaniyar  sannadhis. Adhikara Nandhi is on left side of Rajagopuram. 

In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Suryan,  Storage place, Yaga salai,  Thirugnanasambandar, Kethu, Santhanasiriyars, Thirumaraikal, Chatur Vedas, Urchava murtis of Nalvar, Sekkizhar Peruman,  63var,  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, Chandran.

Utsavars

Navagrahas are in a Nirutha mandapam. Ambal Sri Gowri Ambal is facing south. Malaysia  Tamilars, Yazhpanam periyava Vasuvappa, Ponnili Udayar, Arulambalam, Mannar Asst Govt official Arumugam are responsible for thirupani to this temple. The temple has 5 Chariots, of which moolavar’s is of big. 

There are lot of madams  on the east street some of them are Thirugnanasambandar madam, Sundarar madam, Nattukottai Chettiars madam, Amma madam, Pasumadam, Poonagariyar madam, on 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 on north part ( North Province ) of Sri Lanka at Maanthai alias Maathotta nagar on the banks of Pallavi river ( Now it has become like a lake  )near Mannar. Once it was a port, used for business by the Greeks, Romans, Arabians, etc,. Maha Dhuvatta a deva thachan worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, hence this place was called as Mahadhuvatta puram and latter called as Mathottam. Also Manthai originally came from Maha Sandhai ( மகா சந்தை -  a daily or  weekly or monthly or yearly held market place is called as sandhai )

The temple was completely destroyed by the Portuguese and was reconstructed latter.  Next to this are the Pappa Mottai, Maaligai Thidal, Vettaiyamurippu, Kovilkulam, Paddy field,  Coconut trees etc,. During Chozhas Period, Chozha King Rajarajasekaran’s son Rajendran called this place as Arunmozhithevan Valanadu. Also called as 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 got from the old temple site tells us the Chozha’s contribution to this temple. In addition to this the inscriptions at Chidambaram temple also throws some light about 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 the instrumental behind the bringing out of the temple details to this world after it was destroyed.

The temple is constructed in a 43 acres of land through an open auction to 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 ( 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 reconstruction of this temple are Palaniappa Chettiar, Pasupathi Chettiar, 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, Dwajastham installed places were unearthed. Damage occurred for the moola Lingam ( Maha lingam ) during excavation was installed in the prakaram. The estimated cost of the temple was Rs 22000 for moolavar and Ambal sannadhis.

Kumbhabhishekam were performed during 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  thirupani ), 1971 and 1976 in various stages.

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

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

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

For this temple’s 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 Temples' book released during recent Kumbhabhishekam, Paadal Petra sthalangal details book written by Thiru Pu. ma. Jaya Senthilnathan of Kanchipuram Sankara Mutt and during actual visit to this temple ).

LEGENDS 

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

Moolavar vimanam

Rishabam Mandapam

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

We could not see much houses near the temple. Since we are running short of  time we could not go around the temple and also we have to travel to Anuradhapura where we have to stay at Hotel Mirinday for 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 sea shore. 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 and a few people climbed up the hill along with me enjoying the beauty of the nature. We could see the lot of military peoples 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 facing 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 Saba  panchaloha moorthams of Sri Valli Deivanai Sametha Sri Subramaniar, Somaskandar, Chandrasekar are worth to see. In the Prakaram moorthams of  Suryan, Chandran, Naagar, Bhairavar, Chandikeswarar. Kasi. The present temple was reconstructed  as per aagamam. The old idols of Sri Mathumayal sametha  Sri Koneswara, Chandrasekar,  Parvathy, Pillayar,  Asthira Devar taken from the wells and ponds were reinstalled.  (  This was found out when the Govt. authorities while excavating a well.

Moolavar Vimanam

HISTORY

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

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

This temple is situated  in a beautiful atmosphere  with good water springs  and  near the sea 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

Banyan tree is swallowing the Palm tree

Black buck Deers are grazing

The guns may be used by LTTE

Stucco image of Lord Shiva

Ambal Sri Mathumayal Sannadhi 

Natarajar Saba

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 11^th century by the Tamil King Rajendra Chozha ),  so we proceeded to Anuradhapura. On the way we had been to KANNIYA Hot water springs. ( Once it must be a volcanic activity place ). It was believed that this 7 hot water springs / wells were created by Ravana for his mothers last rites. The water in the well have different temperature. The first one with high temperature an the last one will be less temperature.

Kanniya Hot water springs.

 The Seven Hot water wells

Also we had seen a dilapidated  structure partially excavated. It was told 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 do 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 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 praharam Vinayagar, Murugan, Nagar, Lakshmi, Navagrahas, 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 had been to DAMBULLA a Buddhist temple. This temple was built during  First century and has  5 caves with paintings like Ellora and Ajanta, in India.  Due to short of time we have not been inside.

Buddha Temple 

On the way to Kandy we have visited the Ranweli spice garden at Matale, where lot of spices were grown. There were about 23 varieties of medicinal plants. It was believed that a piece of Sanjeevani hill was fallen down, while Hanuman brought from Himalaya’s 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 was 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 heavy work load. People were accommodated in a cramped shelter. Due to unhygienic conditions people got the measles. Then they worshiped Muthumariamman and got cured. To thank for relieving from the decease they constructed this temple  and expanded latter.

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. Nandhiyam peruman in silver kavasam,   which is unique in this temple. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and nandhi are after the rajagopuram. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

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

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

In mandapam paintings belongs to Vinayagars. The temple and mandapam are built with stone by Nattukottai Chettiars.

The 5 tier Rajagopuram

Pancha muga Lingeswarar

Thillai Chitrambalam

Vinayagar - Urchavar

Nandhiyam Peruman after abhishekam

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

 

After Darshan of Lord Sri Soma Sundareswarar, we had been to a Buddha Temple – Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. The temple has the relic  of Buddha’s teeth. The relic was kept at the centre of the building in first floor, which is made of wood with intricate carvings. There are lot of paintings and Murals. One such painting was about the function to get rain. Persons with whip /chavukku, fire lamps, Srilankan nadhaswaram and drums,  Elephant with relic goes in procession. This signifies the Thunder, Lightning, Wind and rain clouds ( Elephants ). The river Manavali flows around the city 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 tree times to SRI LANKA.

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

View during 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 being kept - see the beauty of the mandapam kodungaikal

Painting of Buddha's relic was carried hidden in hair  by the princes Hemamali and her husband prince Dantha.

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 had 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 have crossed the City NUWARA ELIYA. This means City of Lights. Tea and rubber plantation are the important activities in this place. This place is also called as Little England, where British peoples stayed here during summer.

On the way we had seen the water falls called  Ravana Koda ( Thawalanthenna ). It was believed that Ravana had taken bath in this water falls.

Ravana falls

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

SRI RAMA BAKTHA HANUMAN TEMPLE  

Sri Varadharaja Pillayar - at the base of the foot hill

Hanuman temple

Hanuman Painting at basement floor

A beautiful mountain view

After Hanuman’s Darshan, we had been to GAYATHRI PEEDAM at NUWARA ELIYA. Also called as Gayathri Siddhar Peedam. There are 108 Bana Lingas brought from Narmada River of India,  is 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 the 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. ( In spite of 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 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 Sunday’s are being conducted from 08.00 Hrs to 12.00 Hrs. Saiva samayam, Nayanmars, Devaram, Thiruvasagam are taught to the students. ( Really great indeed. ) 

Entrance to the main shrine

Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu

Agasthiyar

Vishnu Gayatri

After lunch we had been 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. Guide showed us the foot print of Anjaneyar on the river bed. In the mandapam there are  painting of Ramayan Story.

SRI SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE

Entrance from road side - Road at a higher level

Moolavar Vimanams

Moolavar Vimanam

Lakshman, Ram and Seetha ( Marble and Stone moorthangal )

Hanuman Sannidhi

Paintings of Epic Ramayana story

Paintings of Epic Ramayana Story

Hanuman's foot prints.

Ashoka vanam where Sita was kept

Our previous plan was to have the darshan of Kathirkamam Murugan on the fifth day. Since we have to travel to a long distance on the fifth day 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 on 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 peetam where we can see the 7 Siddhar jeeva Samadhis.

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

It was believed that there is no idol / murtis in side the sannadhi and we have to worship the screens printed the respective gods. ( Some people told that there is a chakkaram and soolam inside and poojas are conducted for that. )

In the Murugan temple large size pictures of Sri Valli, Deivanai with Murugan marriage. Once in a year Lord Murugan will come out and marry Valli near Valli Sannadhi. That time also moortham will not 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 ).

In the entrance arch in neon light 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 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 at Sri Lanka and we have to travel a long distance to reach Colombo. We have traveled along the sea shore. On the way we had spend some time in Galle beach. The tides were very high due to No moon day. We had seen many people surfing on the tides.

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

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

 

Fort built by Dutch

From Galle to Colombo we had traveled through Express High way with a speed of 100 KM per hour. The road was very good and we are able to cover the distance of 110 KM in an hour. The traffic is very minimum and we could not see any lorry movement. There is no intersection of roads through out the stretch. Sitting in the bus we had seen the Parliament, Parks and corporation building ( Like White house of USA ).

Convention hall 

White house -  Corporation Govt Building 

A Park 

From Galle to Colombo we had traveled through Express High way with a speed of 100 KM per hour. The road was very good and we are able to cover the distance of 110 KM in an hour. The traffic is very minimum and we could not see any lorry movement. There is no intersection of roads through out the stretch. Sitting in the bus we had seen the Parliament, Parks and corporation building ( Like White house of USA ).

Before going to shopping we had been to Sri Ponnambala Vaneswarar temple. The temple was built about 150 years before by Nattaukottai Nagarathars. Mr Ramanathan is one among those involved in 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 inner prakaram. In Koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.

Sannadhi for 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 prakaram lamps are similar to Thiruvannamalai temple. The outer prakaram is spacious with sannadhi for Anjaneyar. Muthumariamman and Naagar.

The temple was built with 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 during 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 ).

Good bye to Sri Lanka.

After completing all the formalities the flight took off by 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 every where.

ABOUT SRI LANKA – MY OBSERVATIONS.

The Name Lanka was obtained from the Great Ramayan Story and latter Sri was added.  The preset Capital is Kandy after Anuradhapura. The Capital will 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 came from India ). The name Sinhalese came after a King, who ruled Sri Lanka was born to a  Bengali Princes and a Lion. Singa – Lion and Le – Blood, Blood of a Lion.

The important kings ruled are Chozhas and  Pandyas  from Tamil Nadu India. Latter by the British, Portuguese  and Dutch. 

The total population of Sri Lanka is 2  cores of which 80% are Sinhalese and 18% are Tamilians. The major religion is Buddhism. The main income to the Island is from Tea, Rubber, Spices and precious stones like Sapphire, Emerald, Topaz, etc., 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 so warm or not so cold. Sri Lanka gets rain from two monsoons via South East and North west. We can see greenish every where.
• The roofs of the houses are built with tiles or asbestos except for multi story buildings.
• Most of the peoples 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 of TATA, Ashok Leyland and Isuzu. Four wheelers is of TATA, Maruthi, Toyota, Mahendra, etc,. In three wheeler Bajaj, TVS and Ape. Motor cycles are of Bajaj, Honda, Suzuki, TVS.
• The cost of living is high since most of the materials are being imported.
• The Autos are painted with Red, Green, Black, Beige depending  on the year of registration. The numbers are similar to our country starts with their provenance. The Autos are not fitted with meters, but are charging nominally.
• The roads are very good for travel and drive. Has minimum Signals.
• Peoples are very disciplined and used to cross  mainly in Zebra Crossings. The drivers stops their vehicles when the people crosses the road.
• The crime rate is very low and the Sinhalese are cordial and friendly. The people are afraid of Religion Law than the Laws enforced by the Government.
• Education is Compulsory up to school and is free.
• The important thing we noticed was there is 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 will be conducted in two days. First day it will be at Brides house and all the colors will be white ( Dress and all the materials used )  and mainly relatives of the brides will attend. The second day marriage will be in Bridegrooms residence  and the relatives of Bridegrooms relatives will be attending. The color of the dress and materials will be red. The main qualification to the Bride groom is, should run a business or in a Job and also should posses an own House. Mostly divorce and remarriages are avoided. The Girls after marriage will be given importance in the society,  if she gives birth to a child as early as possible.
• Last but not the least is we could not see the real estates, advertisements in any form through out 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 ( costs 1 crore Sri Lankan Currency )

Room mates - Mr Thangaiya ( a Retired Professor, 84 years young,  Rajendran from Mayiladuthurai and self.

See the water droplets

---OM  SHIVAYA NAMA :---