Sri Lanka, or Ceylon is almost filled with numerous attractive and wonderful tour loving destinations. Among them, The Koneswaram Hindu shrine in Trincomalee is a proved to be fascinating. The temple was built during the 17th century with some ruins of a much older temple. Yet this is concerned as one of the most impressive temples in Northern provinces of Sri Lanka, devotees, and foreign community never neglects to take a tour around this place.
Being located in one of the finest and safest harbors in the world, the Koneswaram temple is facing the Bengal and the eastern coast of India. Therefore a panoramic view to the gigantic ocean can be seen. Two projecting headlands, besides the entrance, are guarding the entrance. You will find the huge Swami rock rising above the city of Trincomalee. The rock is dedicated to God Shiva and recently being visited by many Hindus due to the Lovers' Leap or Ravana's Cleft at Swami Rock. The original kovil is believed to be built by Dravidians and known as Aariyam Kal Madapam and the Jagati expanded by King Elara Manu Needhi Cholan.
The temple was attacked during the colonial times of 1622 and 1624, and a fort was built. The temple is enriched with south Indian Dravidian architectural features and Hindu styles and patterns. Thus the gold plated towers elaborated with Gopuram were completely made during the medival period. Devotees begin their traditional journeys when the Koneswar Road opens. Then thousands and thousands come to the shrines passing by and with worshipping other shrines dedicated for Bhadrakali, Ganesh, Vishnu Thirumal, Surya, Ravana, Ambal-Shakti, Murukan respectively. Even though the temple was open during the devastating war which was lasted in Sri lanka you will find holes passed through the walls of the temple. This kind of witness recalls us how far it was tragic if there was a war in Sri lanka.
The Koneswaram temple of trincomalee organizes the traditional Hindu chariot festival or Vel perahera during the months of April and May. Moreover, you too can participate in daily rituals and Poojas dedicated for God Shiva. But the Vel Perahera which is celebrated throughout the city of Trincomalee is a new experience. You can find out for more legends and traditions carried out in the temple from the Hindu devotees and monks in the shrine.