History:

, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha (also known as Sithi Vinayagar) in Deniyaya, a town situated in the southern part of the country. The temple dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest temples in the region and it is significant to Hindus in Sri Lanka. Every year, a popular Sithi Vinayagar Poojas is held at the temple and devotees from across the country and around the world visit the temple to pay their respects to the deity. The temple is also believed to have been visited by the famous Indian saint Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is an important religious site, as it is an important pilgrimage site for devout Hindus from across the island of Sri Lanka. It is believed that those who visit the temple and pray to the Lord Ganesha, can expect to be blessed with success and good fortune. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Sithi Vinayagar Temple is an important Hindu temple in the Deniyaya region of Sri Lanka. 2. It is believed to have been built by the Tamil King Maruthappah around 2nd Century BC. 3. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha (also known as Vinayagar). 4. The temple complex features a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, a temple chariot, and three water tanks. 5. Devotees of the temple flock to it during the month-long annual festival in June-July, which includes various rituals and special pujas every day. 6. The temple also houses a Mahabharata Library, which is said to contain many ancient books about Hindu culture and traditions. 7. In addition to Lord Ganesha, the temple is also considered to be a strong and important centre for the practice of yoga, meditation and other spiritual practices. 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 methods at the Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, vary a little between visitors depending on the faith of the worshipers. Generally, the worship begins when the priest rings the bell. He then offers prayers to the gods and goddesses. Then he lights a sacred flame and chants mantras. After chanting mantras, he takes a few flowers, fruits and coins as offerings and places them on the altar. Next, the priest makes rounds of the temple, blessing each corner with sacred water and chanting mantras. Then he performs the abhishekam (auspicious ahutis or offerings of cooked and uncooked food) to the deity, accompanied by several chants and bhajans (devotional songs). Then the priest distributes the prasad (blessed food) to everyone. The worshipers present then offer their own prayers, offer puja (worship with flowers, foods, mantras, etc.) and other offerings such as coins. After this, aarti (waving of lamps by singers and musicians) is performed around the deity. Finally, the temple-goers take a holy dip in the nearby water body to complete their puja. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Deniyaya, Sri Lanka is open to the public from 6:00AM to 6:30PM on all days of the week. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

Sithi Vinayagar Temple, Deniyaya is located in Mattala D.S Division, Deniyaya Divisional Secretariat in Matara District, State of Sri Lanka. By Air The nearest airport to Sithi Vinayagar Temple is the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located 17km away from Deniyaya. By Car The temple can be reached by car from Colombo in approximately 4-5 hours. It is located on the Kudawella - Deniyaya A2 road, and is approximately 4 km from the Kudawella turn off. By Bus The Sri Lankan public bus network, the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), operates regular services from Colombo to Deniyaya. From Deniyaya many private bus services are available to the temple. By Train The closest train station to Sithi Vinayagar Temple is Kithulgala. From here, it is approximately 27km by road to the temple. famous temples in SriLanka