History:

dates back to 800 AD. It is one of the oldest and most renowned temples in Sri Lanka. It is believed that Thackayageswarar Temple was built by King Parakramabahu I, the great ruler of Kotte period. According to legend, the original temple was constructed by God Ravana during the ancient times. The archaeological department of Batticaloa reconsecrated the temple in 1926. This temple is exclusively dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses two main Shrines – one dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the other to Goddess Parvati. The main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Shivalinga, and the other is Goddess Parvati in the form of Jyeshta Devi. The temple also houses a number of shrines dedicated to various other forms of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The festivals celebrated here are Panguni Uthiram, Thiruvathirai, Deepavali, Thaipoosam, Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Agnipravesam, Tamil New Year, Manai Thirukkal, Navratri and Masi Mahotsavam. Thousands of Hindu devotees flock to this temple from all parts of the country to offer their prayers and worship the Lord. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Sri Thackayageswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. 2. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Thackayageswarar, and is believed to be the presiding deity of Batticaloa. 3. The temple is believed to have been constructed in 17th century by King Maravan of Kandy. 4. The temple is known for its grand processions and festivities held during important Hindu festivals like Pongal and Maha Shivaratri. 5. The temple also houses a small museum that showcases ancient artifacts and sculptures belonging to the temple. 6. The temple is open to all devotees throughout the year, with no entrance charges. 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 for Sri Thackayageswarar Temple in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, includes many common rituals associated with Hindu temples. As is typical, the temple is open from sunrise to sunset, allowing devotees to come and pay respects to the temple's presiding deity, Lord Shiva. On the days of special festivals, the temple may open earlier. The most common way to pay respects is through pooja, a ritual that involves offering prayers to the deity, lighting incense sticks and flowers, and giving back to the temple. Devotees can also perform abishekam, a ritual that involves pouring sacred liquids such as milk and honey onto the Shiva lingam. This is believed to purify the deity and bring spiritual blessings to the devotee. Prayers are a regular part of worship at Sri Thackayageswarar. Eedu or temple priests chant hymns and undertake other religious rituals throughout the day. Prasad is a form of offerings that are distributed to temple visitors. It often takes the form of sweet milk-based dishes, fruits, and other auspicious items. The main festivals celebrated at the temple include Mahasivaratri, Pongal, and all other major Hindu festivals. On these days, the temple is crowded with devotees who bring offerings of flowers, prasad, and coconuts, among other items. Aarti (Hindu fire prayer) is performed and various pujas are conducted to honor Lord Shiva and other deities. A special offering of Nagarmotham (cobra milk) is also made on special occasions. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The temple is open from 5:00 am to 11:00 am and again from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The Sri Thackayageswarar Temple, Batticaloa in Sri Lanka is located in the heart of the town Batticaloa. You can reach the temple via road transport or a train. By Road: Batticaloa can be easily accessed from any major city in Sri Lanka by taking a bus, taxi, tuk-tuk or other public transport. The temple is about 8 km from the Batticaloa Bus Stand/Taxi Stand. You can get to the temple by taking a tuk-tuk or a taxi from the bus stand. By Train: The closest railway station to Batticaloa is the Batticaloa Railway Station, which is about 3 km from the temple. You can take a train from any major city in Sri Lanka and get down at the Batticaloa Railway Station. From the station, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi to reach the temple. famous temples in SriLanka