History:

is the oldest temple in Sri Lanka and is located in the small village of Kaluwella in Galle District. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Kathir Velayutha Swami (Lord Shiva), and is believed to date back to the 5th century BC or earlier. The temple complex includes many shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities, including Lord Venkateshwara, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Tanjore, Lord Subrahmanya and Goddess Durga. In addition, various aspects of Lord Shiva are represented here, including his consorts, and this temple also has a shrine dedicated to the Elephant God, Ganesha. There is also a small shrine dedicated to the Panchamurthi, a combination of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Indra and Lord Surya. Every year, during the Tamil month of Masi, the festival of Kathirvelayutha Swami (known as Ther or Thiruvallur Murutty) is celebrated in this temple. During this festival, special prayers and rituals, such as poojas, are offered to the Lord and Goddesses. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Sri Kathirvelayutha Swami Temple (Kathiresan Temple) is located in Kaluwela, Galle, Sri Lanka. 2. It is believed by devotees that this temple was consecrated in the 15th century by the Pandyan Kings. 3. The temple is known for its exquisite architecture and beautiful sculptures of various Hindu gods and goddesses. 4. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Murugan, also known as Kathiresan, worshipped in the form of a twenty-six foot tall “Vimana” (tower) made of silver. 5. The temple is considered an important site of pilgrimage for the Tamil Hindu population in Sri Lanka. 6. Annual festivals celebrated at the temple include Thaipusam and Pankuni Uthiram. 7. In addition to religious ceremonies, the temple also offers a range of cultural activities, including cultural musical performances. 8. The Sri Kathirvelayutha Swami Temple is managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Sri Lankan Government. 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 Sri Kathirvelayutha Swami Temple (Kathiresan Temple), Kaluwella, Galle in Sri Lanka is based on traditional Saivite worship practices. The main shrine in the temple houses a large statue of the deity Lord Kathirvelayutha Swami, flanked by his two consorts Devi Meenakshi and Devi Uma. The temple also houses several smaller shrines dedicated to the deities of the Saivite pantheon, such as Shiva, Parvathi, Subramanya, Navagraha, Durga and many more. The temple is usually crowded with devotees who perform various rituals and pujas to the deities. Portions of the renowned Nala Damayanti epic, which details the story of Lord Shiva and his consorts Devi Meenakshi and Devi Uma, are read during the long recitals of the holy text of Thirumurai. After the chanting of the Thirumurai, devotees offer flowers and fruit or food items for blessings and perform archana. Various pujas are also conducted in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple such as Kalasam, Thirumanjanam, Nachiyar Puja, Pushpakavimana Pujai, Karuvilakku, Abhishekam and Poojas for the Navagrahas. The four important festivals celebrated in the temple are Panguni Pongal, Panguni Uthiram, Vaikasi Vizha and Skanda Sashti. As part of the weeklong festivities of these occasions, several processions are carried out from the temples where devotees carry idols of their favourite deities to the main temple. During the festivals, a variety of cultural events and activities are also organised at the temple. Throughout the year devotees come to the temple and visit to seek blessings and wish fulfilment. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The temple opens daily from 5.00 am to 12.00 noon and again from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The Sri Kathirvelayutha Swami Temple (Kathiresan Temple) is situated in Kaluwella, Galle in SriLanka and is easily accessible via road. You can access the temple by either taking a tuk-tuk, bus, or private taxi from Galle city center. The temple is located approximately 5km away from the city center and can be reached in around 15 - 20 minutes. famous temples in SriLanka