Sri Kailasanathan Swami Temple- Sri Lanka

Address

Sri Kailasanathan Swami Temple, Sri Murugan St, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka

Deity

Shiva, Ganesha

Introduction

• Sri Kailasanathar Swami Temple, also known as Kapikaawatha Shivan Temple or Captain’s Gardens Pillayar Kovil, is the oldest Shiva Temple in Colombo.
• The temple is dedicated to the gods Ganesha and Shiva.
• It was built over 200 years ago by Indian Chetti traders called ‘Thiruvilanga Nakarathar’ who moved to Sri Lanka for business.
• The temple is located in the Captain’s Garden, Maradana district, behind Fort Railway Station.

Puranic Significance

• The temple’s construction took place during the rule of King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in Kandy, while the Dutch controlled the coastal areas of Sri Lanka.
• Indian Chetti traders worshipped a small Sivalingam under a tree before deciding to build a proper temple.
• In 1783, a Chetti trader named Sri Veerapathran provided land and finances to build the temple.
• The temple was completed and became known as ‘Captain Gardens Temple’ after a Dutch officer stationed in the area.
• The temple was designed by skilled architects and sculptors from India, featuring traditional Hindu temple architecture.
• The temple’s features include a colorful main tower, intricate lotus-carved doors, and stone statues.
• The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with additional shrines to deities such as Ganesha, Skanda, Durga, Vairavar, Ambaal, Kali, Brahma, and the nine planetary bodies.
• Devotees must remove footwear and wash their feet before entering the temple.

Festivals

• The temple celebrates major Hindu festivals including Pongal and Diwali.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Department of Archaeology

Accommodation

Colombo

Nearest Bus Station

Fort

Nearest Railway Station

Fort station

Nearest Airport

Colombo

Location on Map

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