Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram Temple or Thirukoneswaram is a Hindu temple in Trincomalee which is on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The temple is on a high rock that is surrounded by the sea from the three sides. It has a long history of about three millennia that unfolds up to 1580 BC which is worth discovering and learning.

About the temple

Koneswaram Temple gets its name from the main deity at the temple who is god Shiva. Shiva is also addressed as Eshwar and is above the Thirukunamalai. Thus it was given the name. The word “Konam” is believed to have come from the Old Tamil word which means “the peak”. It is one of the five Eeshwerams that dominated ancient Sri Lanka,

History of the destination

In stone inscriptions, it is stated that the temple was started in 1580 BC. This is not confirmed though and still is a mystery. Though it is confirmed that the temple was quite a popular and well-established temple during the arrival of exiled Indian Prince Vijaya back in the 6^th century BC.

It is also stated that the mother of King Ravana was a devoted devotee to the temple.  It is believed that Ravana created the hot springs for his mother’s last rite. He is a legendary emperor who is believed to have lived 5000 years ago.

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Go on McCallum Road. Continue straight onto Colombo – Katunayake Expressway and merge onto the Outer Circular Expressway. Turn right onto Colombo – Kandy Road and turn left onto Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee Highway.

Turn right on to Kachchery Road. Turn left onto Fort Fredrick Rd and the destination will be on your right to your destination.

From Trincomalee

Go on Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee Highway, Ambepussa – Trincomalee Highway, Kandy Road to Kachchery Rd. Then you have to continue on Kachchery Road to your destination.