Sri Munneswaram Temple, Sri Lanka

Address

Sri Munneswaram Temple, Maha Devalayam, Wariyapola Road, Chilaw 61000, Sri Lanka Phone: +94322224833

Deity

Sri Munnai Natha Swamy Amman: Sri Vadivambiga Devi

Introduction

• Munneswaram Temple is an important regional temple complex in Sri Lanka, believed to have been in existence since at least 1000 CE.
• Myths associate the temple with the Indian epic Ramayana and its hero, King Rama.
• It is one of five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the region.
• Located in Munneswaram village in the Puttalam District, which has a mixed Sinhala and Tamil population.
• The presiding deity, Siva, is worshipped in the form of a Lingam in the sanctum sanctorum.
• A sacred pond is situated in front of the Shiva temple, and a Bo Tree stands beside it.
• The temple’s main sanctum and the structure above are among the largest in Sri Lanka.

Puranic Significance

• Munneswaram village has historically been the center of spiritual and religious life for the surrounding region, known as Munneswaram Pattuva, which had over 60 villages.
• The presiding deity is known as Sri Munnainathar, and the goddess is Sri Vativampika Devi.
• The temple has been connected with the nearby fishing town of Chilaw and the local landed gentry who provided resources to maintain it.
• Due to its proximity to trading routes and ports, the temple became a point for the transmission of ideas and people between India and Sri Lanka.
• The area contains several temples dedicated to Hindu, Buddhist, and village guardian deities like Ayyanar, Viramunda, and Kadavara.
• Anthropologist Rohan Bastin suggests the original shrine was dedicated to a local deity, Munisvaran, before it was converted into a major Shiva temple through royal patronage.
• The temple was already well-established by the 11th century CE, with evidence of coinage from that period.
• The Kali temple in the complex is known for rituals involving animal sacrifices and spirit possession.
• The Ganesha temple was built in the early 19th century by artisans from South India.
• Munneswaram, along with Koneswaram, Naguleswaram, and Thiruketheeshwaram, forms the five Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva in Sri Lanka.

Special Features

• The Munneswaram Temple complex houses five shrines, with the most prominent one dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The complex also includes shrines for Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, and Lord Ayyanayake.
• The Siva Lingam is installed in the main sanctum, symbolizing the male principle (Lingam) and the female principle (Pitha or Yoni) representing the Siva-Shakti concept.
• In Saiva tradition, the Lingam is considered the most sacred object and is installed in the garbhagrha (womb-house) of Sri Munneswaram Devasthanam.

Festivals

• Navarathri: A nine-day festival in honor of the presiding Goddess.
• Sivarathri: An overnight celebration dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Munneswaram Annual Festival: A four-week-long event that attracts pilgrims from all parts of Sri Lanka, including Hindus and Buddhists.

Managed By

Department of Archaeology

Nearest Bus Station

Munneswaram village

Nearest Railway Station

Chilaw station

Nearest Airport

Colombo

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