History:

can be traced back to the 8th century AD. It is a very famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the holiest shrines in South India. It is believed to be one of the five ancient Shiva Temples in the area. Each of the five temples has its own unique history and was constructed at different times. The Neelathakshi Samedha Sri Kayagaroneshwarar Temple is said to have been built on the orders of King Maravarman Kulasekara Pandya in 753 A.D. It is a state protected monument and is managed by the Archaeological Society of India. The temple is constructed in the Pandyan style of architecture and contains a huge Nandi (bull deity) which is believed to have been worshipped by Indra, the king of gods. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in the form of a lingam. The temple also houses various lingams and sculptures of different deities including that of Nats, Ayyanar and Nataraja. Various offerings including flowers and sweets are made to the presiding deity during festivals. People from different parts of the country visit the temple to seek peace, happiness and prosperity. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Neelathakshi Samedha Sri Kayagaroneshwarar Temple is located in the town of Thirunelveli, Sri Lanka. 2. The temple was built by the 12th King of Sri Lanka, Parakramabahu I, in the 11th century CE. 3. This temple is noted for its ancient sculptures and inscriptions that provide an insight into the Sri Lankan culture and history. 4. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and is worshipped in the form of Lord Kayagaroneshwarar. 5. The temple faces east and visitors generally perform a seven day ritual as a form of worship. 6. Other important deities worshipped in the temple include Goddess Neelathakshi, Lord Krishna, Lord Ganesha and Lord Subramaniam. 7. The temple complex includes several mandapams and shrines dedicated to various deities. 8. The temple is open to devotees from all castes, religions and nationalities. 9. The annual bright half of the moon night during the Tamil month of Karthigai has special significance at the Neelathakshi Samedha Sri Kayagaroneshwarar Temple. 10. The temple is known to bring happiness and prosperity to all those who pay a visit. Here are some facts about the SriLanka temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in SriLanka

Worship Method:

The worship method of Neelathakshi Samedha Sri Kayagaroneshwarar Temple is based on Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya (Hindu Tradition). The temple practices a daily pooja (worship) ritual. Every day, poojas are performed at the temple during the Brahma Muhoortham (an auspicious period between 4 - 6 am). Special poojas are performed on full moon days, the Tamil new year, and other special days. The poojas include offerings of flowers, fruits, prasadam, and other items to the main deity. In addition, archanas (special prayers) and homams (fire rituals) are also performed at the temple. During special occasions, the prasadam from the temple is distributed as part of charity. On special occasions, the temple also hosts cultural programs such as cultural performances and recitation of Sanskrit mantras. The temple also regularly organizes special puja (worship) programs, such as Angurarpanam (culmination of special rituals), Tirumanjanam (ritual cleansing of the main deity), Palliyarai (ritual decoration of the dhwaradhana temple), Tirumaligai (ritual procession of the moolavar deity) and Kaavadi/ Thaipoosam (religious pilgrimage). These are usually performed by priests who are capable of performing the traditional methods prescribed in the Hindu scriptures. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The temple is open from 5.30 am to 1.00 pm and then again from 4.30 pm to 8.00 pm on all days. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The Neelathakshi Samedha Sri Kayagaroneshwarar Temple is located in the town of Thirunelveli in Sri Lanka. The nearest airport to this temple is the Batticloa International Airport, which is about 45 kilometers away. If you are planning to use public transportation, then you can catch the direct bus from Batticloa to Thirunelveli, which takes around 2.5 hours. If you have your own vehicle, then you can take the Colombo-Batticloa Highway to reach the temple in under two hours. famous temples in SriLanka