The visit to Kanniya Hot Water
Springs at Kanniya in Sri Lanka was part of Sri Lanka’s (Ezha Nadu) Paadal
Petra Sthalangal Visit, scheduled between 28th November and 2nd December 2013. Utilizing
this opportunity, we visited some Shiva, Murugan, and Amman Temples and epic Ramayana-associated sites of Sri Lanka.
The name “Kanniya” came from Kal –
Stone and Niya – Land. There are 7 hot water springs, and
the mouth was built in a square shape and is 3 to 4 feet deep. The temperature
varies from one well to another between 34 and 56 deg Celsius. The wells run
out after 10 to 15 buckets of water are taken out, and the water refills after some time. Sri
Lankan Rupees 50 is charged for tourists from other countries, Rs 25 for
the SAARC nationals, and Rs 10 for the Sri Lankan nationals. Bathing is allowed,
but soap or any detergent is not allowed. The Hot springs are administered by
Trincomalee T & G Pradeshiya Sabha.
LEGENDS
As per the legend, Ravana and his
mother used to go to Koneswaran at Trincomalee. When his mother was unable to
move, Ravana tried to lift Koneswaram's temple with his sword to his palace. Lord
Shiva made him drop the sword. On hearing this, his mother passed away.
Angered, Ravana struck the earth in several places with his sword. Water springs
sprang from the hit spots. With the hot water springs, he performed last rites
for his mother. As per the information
board, Hindus living in that area perform last rites for the departed souls.
It is
believed that hot water heals some skin diseases, arthritis, and rheumatism.
A partially excavated structure is adjacent
to these 7 hot water springs. It is claimed that the excavated structure may
belong to a Buddhist temple and was built by two Kings who ruled that place. We
could not get further details.
Also, there is a Shiva Lingam installed
in a building, constructed in 2014 by the military under a Hot water springs
renovation scheme. The artifacts recovered from the excavated site were damaged
during the civil war.
TIMINGS
The Hot water springs are kept open from 08.00 hrs to 18.00 Hrs, on all days.
HOW TO REACH
Hot water wells are 3.6 km from
Kanniya, 6.4 km from Trincomalee, 12 km from Sri Koneswaram Temple, 92 km from
Vavuniya, 104 km from Anuradhapura and 165 km from Thiruketheeswaram.
LOCATION OF THE HOT WATER SPRINGS : CLICK HERE
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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