History:

is believed to go back to the 8th century CE. Situated in the Kandapola village (just 10 km away from Kaduruwela town), the temple is known to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, who is the son of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. Inside the temple complex, you will find many unique features such as a shrine dedicated to the demon-king Mahishasura and a holy pond called Pavalinuan Pushkarani. The temple is visited annually by thousands of devotees from across the country as a part of their pilgrimage. Every year, a colourful festival is celebrated in the temple in commemoration of Lord Ayyappan’s birth. It is also believed to be a popular destination by Hindus for pilgrimage, as they consider it to be one of the most sacred sites in the country. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Kandapola Ayyappan Temple, also known as Kandapola Maha Vishnu Devalaya, is located in Kandapola, the small town in Matale district, Sri Lanka. 2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, the Hindu deity popularly worshiped in the South India and Sri Lanka. 3. As per the legend, the temple was built by the Saman King around 500 years ago. 4. The temple houses an idol of Lord Ayyappan and is visited by many devotees, particularly during the festival of Makaravilakku, which is celebrated in the month of January. 5. The Skanda Shasthi Festival is also celebrated at this temple with great pomp and show attracting folks from far and wide. 6. During the festival, the popular prasadam of appam and palpayasam are prepared and served to the devotees. 7. The temple is also known for its charming landscape and is a popular tourist spot in Sri Lanka. 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 in Sri Ayyappan Temple, Kandapola, Sri Lanka is an age-old tradition. It involves offerings of flowers, fruits, incense, lamps, and even vessels of milk. Prayers are recited in Sanskrit and Tamil, and the devotees take part in the Pooja ritual. They then circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum thrice. Closing the Pooja, they take part in the traditional Arati ceremony, which involves waving lighted lamps in front of the divine deity. This ritual is repeated for each of the various forms of Lord Ayyappan. After the puja, devotees receive prasadam (blessed food) and leave the temple. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Sri Ayyappan Temple in Kandapola, Sri Lanka is open every day from 6.45am to 12.00pm and from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. On special festival days, the temple stays open for longer hours. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The Sri Ayyappan Temple is located in Kandapola, Sri Lanka. It can be reached by car, bus or taxi. If travelling by car, head to the Amun Oya road heading north and follow it until you reach the Kandapola junction. From there, take the left turn and follow the narrow road until you reach the Sri Ayyappan Temple. If traveling by bus, take a bus to Negombo and then take another bus to Kandapola. Once you reach Kandapola, you can take a three wheeler to the Temple. If travelling by taxi, you can hire a taxi directly from any place to take you to the Sri Ayyappan Temple in Kandapola. famous temples in SriLanka