History:

is a 11th century historical site located in the Matara district of Southern Sri Lanka. It is one of the three main ancient temples of the South, along with those of Kothmale and Galle. Tenavaram temple is largely seen as the most important of the three, and the complex is thought to have hosted a substantial monastery. The temple is of great archaeological value, as it contains many carved stones and monuments from the 11th to 17th centuries. Despite it being destroyed largely in the 16th century by the Portuguese invaders, the remaining ruins are still impressive and are of great interest for both locals and tourists alike. Tens of thousands of devotees are said to have visited the temple annually before its destruction, and even today annual festivals are held in its honor. u It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Tenavaram temple is a Hindu temple complex in the Dondra Head, Sri Lanka. 2. It is the second largest ancient Hindu temple complex in the island, after Tadadimittam in Trincomalee. 3. The complex was destroyed by the Portuguese and is partially restored in the 19th century. 4. The temple which dedicated to Shiva has been an important religious site since the 12th century. 5. Tenavaram temple is also known as ‘somawathi chetiya’ in Sinhalese. 6. It is believed to be a place of healing for many diseases, especially those related to the eyes. 7. The ancient remains of the temple complex can be found scattered around the archaeological park. 8. It is the only ancient Hindu shrine in the country that has been the scene of a number of battles between local kings and the Portuguese. 9. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Sacred City of Anuradhapura’. 10. Some of the other temples in the same complex are Pathirakali amman temple and Koneswaram temple. 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 Tenavaram temple of Dondra Head in Sri Lanka is a key Hindu temple in the country and has been a place of worship for centuries. Visitors to the temple take part in several rituals to show respect for the Hindu faith and to gain blessings from the deity worshipped here. Some of the key worship methods in Tenavaram temple include: • Prayers: Devotees come to Tenavaram temple to offer prayers to the deity by using mantras (hymns) and meditating. • Puja: Puja is a form of devotional worship which involves offerings and rituals done in front of the deity of the temple. Prayers are accompanied by flowers, fruits, incense, and camphor as offerings. • Offerings: Offerings, such as food, flowers,and money are customary in Tenavaram temple. In addition to traditional items, visitors often bring special items such as homemade food or clothing for the deity. • Homa: A fire ceremony known as Homa is a symbolic offering of purified items, such as ghee and grains, into the fire as a form of worship. • Abhishekam: A ritual of pouring water or other liquids over the deity’s statue to purify it and receive blessings. This ritual is commonly performed with ritualistic chants. • Parikrama: Circumambulation around the temple is a popular practice. To this end, visitors to the temple take a few steps around the perimeter of the temple, to show respect to the deity and receive blessings. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Temple of Tenavaram is one of the most important and ancient monuments in Sri Lanka, located near Dondra Head, and dates back to the 6th century. The temple is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

Tenavaram temple in Dondra Head, Sri Lanka can be reached by train, bus, taxi, and car. The nearest railway station is Matara Railway Station, which is located 14 km away from Dondra Head. From Matara, you can take a tuk-tuk which will take you to the temple. The nearest bus station is also Matara Bus Station, which is located 14 km away from Dondra Head. From the Matara Bus Station, take a tuk-tuk to Tenavaram Temple. You can also take a taxi from Matara to Tenavaram Temple in Dondra Head. You can also rent a car and drive to the temple. The journey time from Matara is approximately 20 minutes. famous temples in SriLanka