History:

and Architecture The Choleeswaram Temple, Kantalai, is a Hindu temple located in Kantalai, northeastern Sri Lanka. The temple was built during the 12th century Chola period (between 850 and 1250 CE) and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Siva. The temple features many significant architectural features, and is one of the oldest Siva temples in the area. The temple is positioned in an area frequented by local pilgrims and is considered to be an important pilgrimage destination in Sri Lanka. According to local historians, the temple was built at the same time as the Chola period Dravidan architecture. The walls of the temple are covered with sculptures depicting Hindu myths and Hindu gods. The temple has a large space in the front of the main shrine, which contains a Nandi bull (the vehicle of Lord Siva). A doorway can be found at the front of the temple, which leads to a corridor that opens to a shrined hall, flanked by two ponds. There is a cella on the right side of the temple which contains a lingam. The temple also features a more elaborately designed corridor in which an inscription is etched in Tamil. It was carved into stone under the supervision of the renowned sculptor and artist from the region, Lattai. The inscription is believed to be the work of a sculptor from a neighboring region in the 12th century. In modern times, the temple has been renovated and maintained, with a focus on preserving the original elements from the Chola period, including the sculptures and wall paintings. The temple grounds also contain several smaller shrines, including shrines dedicated to Murugan and Rama. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Choleeswaram Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kantalai, Sri Lanka. 2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the Pancha Ishwarams, the five great Shiva temples of Sri Lanka built by the Chola rulers. 3. It is believed that the temple was constructed in the 1700s by King Marthanda Varman. 4. The temple features a two-story gopuram, a large annual festival, and a number of shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. 5. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees each year who come to pay homage to Lord Shiva and seek blessings. 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 Choleeswaram Temple is one of the most important Vishnu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is located in Kantalai, Trincomalee District and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The worship at the temple follows traditional Hindu practices and rituals. The daily worship at Choleeswaram Temple begins with the ringing of bells and chanting of hymns. The devotees offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the Lord Vishnu's idols, followed by aarti and puja. A puja can include prayers, offering of oil lamps, flowers, fruits, incense, and reciting of mantras. Sometimes, a homam is performed to seek the blessings of the God. At the end of the puja, the devotees receive blessed offering (prasād) from the temple. The offerings are either distributed or consumed. Then the devotees walk around the temple premises in clockwise direction as a mark of respect. On special occasions and festivals, darshan and kirtans are performed in the temple premises. Special foods such as pongal are offered to Lord Vishnu. The temple also organizes special puja andHomam for the devotees. The Choleeswaram temple is open every day, and the worship rituals are performed from dawn to dusk. On the full moon days, special pujas are offered to the deities. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Choleeswaram Temple is open from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The temple remains closed during lunch time. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The Choleeswaram Temple in Kantalai is located in the Trincomalee District of Sri Lanka. The nearest major airport to the temple is the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, about 215 km away. The temple can be reached from Colombo by hiring a taxi, taking the train or taking a bus. The closest railway station to the temple is the Trincomalee Hill Railway Station, about 22 km away. Taxis and buses are also available from the railway station. famous temples in SriLanka