An ancient Hindu temple to Lord Shiva near Mannar, one of the revered Pancha Ishwarams of Sri Lanka, crowned by a colourful gopuram.

Overview

Thiruketheeswaram (Ketheeswaram) is one of the most important Hindu temples in the north of Sri Lanka, dedicated to Lord Shiva and counted among the Pancha Ishwarams, the five historic Shiva abodes on the island. Set amid paddy and scrub a few kilometres north of Mannar town near the ancient port of Manthai, it is marked by a tall carved gopuram tower and a sacred bathing tank, and draws Shaivite pilgrims from across the country, especially at festival time.

History

The shrine is of great antiquity, referred to in classical Tamil literature and believed to have existed for well over two thousand years beside the once-great trading port of Manthai (Mahatittha). It was destroyed during the Portuguese colonial period and lay in ruins for centuries before being rebuilt and revived in the twentieth century through the efforts of Hindu restoration societies, and it remains an active and much-venerated place of worship.