History:

is a Hindu temple in Poonakari and Karikkoddukkulam located in Eastern part of Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built by King Veera Vijaya Kumara Nayanar during the Chola reign in the 11th century. Veerapathirar Temple is dedicated to the Hindu gods Lord Murugan (also known as Karthikeya) and his consorts, Valli and Deivanai. It is situated on a hillock at the edge of a small lake. The temple is famous for its impressive structure and detailed carvings. It is highly revered by the local Hindus and visitors come to pay homage to the gods here. The temple is also a popular pilgrimage centre to seek the blessings of the gods. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

- The Veerapathirar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Veerapathirar, a saintly figure of the Tamil Hindu tradition. - The temple is located in the village of Karikkoddukkulam, in the Poonakari district of Sri Lanka. - The temple was built in around 12th century and is believed to be the only temple dedicated to Veerapathirar in the whole of Sri Lanka. - The temple has beautiful architecture, with a two-storeyed gopuram and a gleaming golden dwajasthambam. - The inner sanctum of the temple houses a grand and beautiful wall painting depicting the life of Veerapathirar. - The temple attracts devotees from different parts of Sri Lanka, who come to seek the blessings of Veerapathirar and to make offerings. - Every year the temple holds the annual Ther Festival, which is a grand celebration of the life and ministry of Veerapathirar. 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 temple of Veerapathirar is located in the beautiful district of Poonakari in Sri Lanka. There is a special worship method practiced in this temple. This method is called Kattu Kattru Velvi and it is believed to be an ancient style of offering prayers. The worshipper must first light a lamp (called the deepam) and make a namaskaram (bow) to the presiding deity. They must then offer flowers and garlands to the deity and prostrate three times with their head touching the ground. After this, they must perform pradakshina (clockwise circumambulation) around the temple three times and then move to the inner sanctum for the ritual worship. They must then perform archana (the offering of flowers, leaves, and milk) to the presiding deity and recite Vedic mantras such as the Gayatri Mantra, Rudra Sukta, and Agni Mantra. After this, they must again make three namaskarams and perform arati (waving a lit lamp before the deity). Finally, they must perform aarti (circumambulating a lit lamp) and offer a prasadam (food offering) to the gods. After performing the ritual, the worshipper must make a final namaskaram and bow in devotion and seek the blessings of the deity. This is the traditional worship method followed in the Veerapathirar temple at Karikkoddukkulam. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Veerapathirar Temple at Karikkoddukkulam in Sri Lanka opens daily from 6.00 am to 12.00 pm in the morning and from 5:30 pm to 8 pm in the evening. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

To reach the Veerapathirar Temple from Colombo, you can take the A-2 bus from Colombo to Batticaloa, which takes around three and a half hours. From Batticaloa, you can then take a taxi or tuk tuk to Karikkoddukkulam, which will take around 40 minutes. From there, the temple is a short walk away. famous temples in SriLanka