History:

is a very significant religious site in Sri Lanka. It is located on the banks of the Kalu Ganga river in the village of Okanda. The temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga, the presiding deity of the region and is believed to have been constructed in the 13th century by King Parakramabahu III. The temple is known for its important role in protecting people during the Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009). According to legend, the temple protected the residents of Okanda from many bullets fired from the rebel forces. Today, the temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts visitors from nearby villages as well as from other parts of the country. The temple complex comprises several structures such as the grand chariot, the main shrine, and the meditation hall. The chariot is a replica of Lord Muruga's chariot, which is believed to have been built with the help of celestial beings. In addition to the chariot, the main shrine of the temple houses representations of Lord Muruga, Parvati, and Shiva. The meditation hall is used by devotees to meditate and offer prayers to Lord Muruga. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Ukanthamalai Murugan Temple is located in the village of Okanda, in the Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka. 2. The temple was constructed during the reign of King Kavantissa in the 2nd century BC. 3. The temple has been damaged by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. 4. It is believed that when devotees come to worship in the temple, Murugan will fulfill their wishes. 5. The temple is famous for its annual festival, the Mavady Festival which is celebrated during the Tamil month of Aani (June-July). 6. During the festival, devotees offer prayers to Lord Muruga, worship Him and break coconuts as an offering. 7. The temple is managed by a committee and the priests are handpicked from families who live around the area. 8. The temple is popular with Hindu devotees from all over the world. 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 followed at Ukanthamalai Murugan Temple is a combination of ancient traditional Hindu rituals and modern form of ritualistic worship. Devotees follow a prescribed protocol during their visit to the temple. The order of worship includes: 1. Naivedya: Devotees offer a traditional variety of food items to the deity as an offering. This usually includes a plate of fruits and dishes made of rice, lentils, and other ingredients. This should be done while chanting prayers. 2. Abhishekam: To symbolize purification, devotees offer saris and Kangans (ornaments) to Murugan. This ritual involves applying water, and sacred items over the deity while chanting Vedic mantras. 3. Arati: Arati is a ritualistic offering of lighted lamps to the deity. 4. Pushparchana: This ritual involves the offering of various flowers to Murugan. 5. Prasadam: After the successful completion of the above rituals, devotees usually take some prasadam (sanctified edibles). 6. Pooja: The traditional pooja involves offering flowers, incense, and other traditional items to the deity. 7. Namaskar: In the end, devotees bow down and seek blessings from the deity. The order of worship may vary from temple to temple. But, these are the most commonly followed practices at this temple. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Ukanthamalai Murugan Temple in Okanda is open from 5am to 12pm and 4pm to 8pm daily. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

Ukanthamalai Murugan Temple is located in the Okanda area of Sri Lanka. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi. You can also take a bus from either Batticaloa or Polonnaruwa to Okanda. From there, it is a short walk to the temple. famous temples in SriLanka