World renowned Thiruketheeswaram Temple

July 2022 is significant in the world Hindu diary of events, with the consecration ceremony at the world renowned Thiruketheeswaram Temple. Let’s get to know some details about this temple.

In ancient Sri Lanka, there were five temples built on all sides of the Island and dedicated to Lord Shiva – who is also known as Eswaran. Hence the names of these five temples ended with the suffix – eswaram. They are: Nagul-eswaram in the North, Kon-eswaram in the East, Thiruketh-eswaram and Mun-eswaram in the West and Thond-eswaram in the South. They are all located in proximity to the coast, aimed at protecting our Island Nation from natural perils related to the Ocean.

Ketheeswaram Temple - outside. (Pictures: Courtesy of Nadesan)

Thiruketheeswaram, one of the five “eswarams” mentioned above, is located in the coastal village of Manthai in the Mannar District. Classical era architectural influence suggests that the origin of the temple dates back to pre-historical times.

Kethu, one of the navagrahas and lord to three of the stars, is believed to have worshipped at this temple, from which the name “Thiru – keth – eeswaram” is derived. The temple has been referred to by Indian sages in their devotional songs compiled in the 6th, 7th and 12th Centuries. The temple has also been mentioned in the great epics of Ramayana and Mahabahrat. In the book titled“Epigraphia Zeylanica” it is stated that local folks from as far as Anuradhapura and Katharagama had paid homage to this temple in the olden days, which stands testimony to religious pluralism in ancient Sri Lanka.

After many centuries of fame and veneration, this temple perished during the ominous invasion of our Motherland by the Portuguese. Their religious exclusivism resulted in forced conversion, changing the demography of the population. Further, their iconoclasm resulted in the senseless destruction of this hallowed place of worship. The area where this majestic temple stood was completely flattened with shrubs and jungle for nearly four centuries. However, history has shown that although the Portuguese destroyed tangible structures, they could not destroy the intangible faith of the Hindu people of Sri Lanka.

In the nineteenth century Arumganavalar, a Hindu stalwart from Jaffna, learned of this temple from historical archives and started to search for it in the original location. His divine efforts were richly rewarded when a Shivalingam carved out of solid rock from the Chola era was discovered. This lingam can be seen in the temple to this day. The temple was slowly, rebuilt in stages. In this context it is appropriate to recall the inspiring words of India’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad after the Somnath Templein Gujarat was rebuilt, where he said that “The power of reconstruction is always greater than the power of destruction!”

During the last quarter of the twentieth and the first decade of the twenty-first centuries, the temple suffered neglect as a result of the civil unrest in Sri Lanka. However, over the past seven years most of the temple has been rebuilt with the front Rajagopuram being refurbished. This was made possible due to the benevolence of the Indian Government and other philanthropists. The newly completed temple portrays magnificent Dravidian Architecture; a truly palatial abode for Lord Shiva, who is father to Lord Ganesha (Gana Deviyo) and Lord Skanda (Katharagama Deviyo).

The holy water body associated with the temple is named as “Palavi” which is a natural tank in proximity to the temple. When approaching the temple, there is an imposing statute of Nandhi (Bull) from the Pallava era, facing the main entrance of the temple. Devotees enter the temple through the archway below the Rajagopuram. There is also an imposing belfry to the right of the Rajagopuram, the tolls of which reverberate melodiously in the ears of devotees.

Inside the temple, there is a long rectangle hall with scores of pillars, exquisitely carved out of solid rock stone, which extends up to the main sanctum. The temple consists idols of both manifestations of Lord Shiva – where a Shivalingam carved out of solid stone and brought from Kashi in India is found in the main sanctum and the cosmic dance portrayed by the Natarajar Statute made by mixing five previous metals if found in another sanctum. In addition, the temple also consists of other deities that are worshipped in a conventional Hindu temple.

There is a courtyard around the above-mentioned rectangle hall, with smaller sanctums around the outer perimeter, all of which face the courtyard. When walking around the courtyard, the many pillars on the side provide resemblance of Rameshwaram Temple in South India, which is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the rear-end of the courtyard, directly behind the main sanctum, the Shivalingam of the Chola era which was buried as a result of the atrocities committed by the Portuguese and re-located during the nineteenth century can be found. On Shivaraathri day, devotees are given the rare privilege of bathing this lingam, using sacred water from the Palavi tank.

Six daily poojas are conducted in the temple. In addition, there is a colorful 10 – day annual festival, where the statute of Lord Shiva is paraded in five different chariots. The Shivaraathri festival is another spectacular sight with hundreds of thousands of devotees flooding the place from all parts of Sri Lanka. It is of great significance for Sri Lanka that this celebrated temple will be fully functional from this week, bringing much needed blessings to our Motherland.