History:

dates back to the period of Chola dynasty rule. It is located in the ancient town of Karaikkal which was a major port in the Chola kingdom. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple has two richly carved gopurams, one of which is 30 meters in height. The temple also houses a shrine to Sri Ambalavanar, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to local folklore, Sri Ambalavanar was originally a local fisherman who gained divine intervention in the form of Vishnu himself to save his village from a drought. The temple also features some exquisite sculptures of gods and goddesses, including those of Sri Ambalavanar, Sri Laxmi, Sri Garuda and Sri Adiseshan. The temple is popular among local Hindu devotees and is a major attraction for tourists visiting the town of Karaikkal. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

• The Ambalavanar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Karaikkal in northern Sri Lanka. • The temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Ambalavanar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. • The temple dates back to the 1st Century BCE and is believed to have been constructed by the Chola dynasty. • The temple is also known as the "Twin Temple" since it is divided into two parts - the Nagara and the Dravida. • The Nagara part of the temple consists of a shrine dedicated to Lord Ambalavanar and two other deities - Lord Vinayaka and Lord Lakshmi. • The main Shiva Linga in the Dravida part of the temple is believed to have been created by the Pandavas, the legendary heroes of Hindu mythology. • The temple complex also houses shrines for many other deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Navagraha, and Lord Chandran. • The temple is believed to have been built in three stages - during the Chola dynasty, the Pandyan dynasty and the Vijayanagara dynasty. • Every year, the temple celebrates various festivals including Brahmotsav, Chandramana Poornima, Navaratri, Sankatahara Chaturthi, and Meena Utsavams. 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 Ambalavanar Temple, Karaikkal in Sri Lanka is very traditional and follows a few rituals that have been followed over centuries. It begins with the worshipper offering flowers and other items as offerings to the deity. After the offerings, the worshipper performs puja to the deity with flowers, offerings, incense, lighting lamps and chanting prayers. The puja is a way of offering devotion and respect to the divine. After the puja, the priest offers special Prasadam (offering) to the worshipper as a gesture of gratitude. This ritual is then followed by the aarti or puja for the deity. The aarti involves offering prayers, reciting sacred scriptures and songs in praise of the deity. This ritual is concluded with the offering of coconut and sweets to the deity. The devotees then share a meal and depart the temple after the aarti. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Ambalavanar Temple is open daily from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The easiest way to reach Ambalavanar Temple in Karaikkal, Sri Lanka is by bus. There are several bus services that run from Chennai and Pondicherry to Karaikkal. The buses usually take about 2 to 3 hours to reach Karaikkal, depending on traffic and road conditions. From Karaikkal, the temple is a short distance away and can be reached on foot or by hiring a vehicle. famous temples in SriLanka