History:

is believed to have started with the assistance of Vira Pandiyan, a Pandya King from present day Tamil Nadu. The temple is thought to have been constructed in the 10th and 11th centuries CE and is dedicated to the deeds of Lord Murugan, who is believed to have resided in the area. Vira Pandiyan is believed to have been led to this region of Sri Lanka by the vision of a divine chariot in dream and the temple’s name is derived from the connection between the God and King Vira Pandiyan. The temple is built from granite in the Dravidian style and is believed to be among the oldest temples of Lord Murugan in Sri Lanka. It also houses an Arahat Maharalbo statue that is believed to have been sculpted during the 10th century. This temple holds several rituals throughout the year, including the popular Annual festival of Vel. This unique festival is centered on the Vel, a trident symbolizing both the power of Lord Murugan and the unity between the Sinhalese and Tamil populations in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best temple in SriLanka which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Veerapathirar temple is an ancient Hindu shrine located in Mannaiththalai, Poonakari, Sri Lanka. 2. The temple was built in the 7th century AD by Prince Veerapathirar, the son of King Rajathiraja I of the Chola dynasty. 3. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the main sanctum enshrines a three-faced lingam. 4. The temple complex has several ancillary shrines dedicated to several Hindu deities, such as Ganesha, Murugan, Lakshmi and Vishnu. 5. There are also shrines dedicated to Mahishasuramardini, Chandigeswarar and Durga. 6. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year during special festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Thaipusam and Pongal. 7. The temple also has an immense tank known as Madaththai Theertham, which is believed to have been built by King Rajathiraja I himself. 8. The Veerapathirar Temple is managed and maintained by the Department of Archaeology, Government of 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 at the Veerapathirar Temple in Mannaiththalai, Poonakari, Sri Lanka follows the ancient tradition of Saiva Siddhanta. Devotees are asked to offer specific prayers to Veerapathirar, the presiding deity, located at the temple. Pujas (ritual offerings) are made to the deity along with mantras while chanting prayers and offering camphor to the deity. The temple also offers abhishekams (bathing the deity) with sandalwood paste, ghee, and water to seek the blessing of Veerapathirar. Prasadams (offerings of food) are served to the deity and then distributed among the devotees. Devotees also visit the temple for religious works such as homams (ritual fires) and reciting Saiva Panchakshari mantras. There are numerous festivals celebrated at the temple to commemorate special occasions in the life of Veerapathirar. This most visited temple in SriLanka

Opening Timing:

The Veerapathirar Temple in Mannaiththalai, Poonakari, Sri Lanka is open from 6am to 8pm. top temples in SriLanka

How to reach:

The Veerapathirar Temple, Mannaiththalai, Poonakari is located in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The nearest airport to the temple is Batticaloa Airport, which is located at a distance of around 60 km from the temple. The temple can also be reached by taking a bus or train from Colombo to Batticaloa or Mannai Thala, which are the nearest railway stations to the temple. Local buses and three wheelers (Tuktuk) or Taxi services are available from the railway stations to reach the temple. famous temples in SriLanka