Thiruketheeswaram temple

Thiruketheeswaram temple

Thiruketheeswaram temple is situated in Mannar in Sri Lanka. It is an ancient Hindu temple which is dedicated to Shiva. This is one of the five Ishwarams that is dedicated to Shiva and venerated by Saivites throughout the world.

About the destination

Thiruketheeswaram temple is located in the Northern Province in Sri Lanka. It is also famously known as the Ketheeswaram temple and it is one of the 275 Padra Petra Sthalams of Lord Shiva that is glorified in the poems of the famous poet Tevaram. The temple was destroyed but somehow it was restored, renovated, and brought back to its elegance by various royals and devotees back in the back.

History of the Thiruketheeswaram temple

In 1575 the Portuguese demolished and destroyed the temple somehow the exact original date of the establishment of the temple is still not known but it is stated to be about 1400 years. According to a legend, Bhrigu Muni worshipped Shiva then Hindu god Kethu worshipped Shiva at this shrine. Thus the name of the temple is stated to be “Thiruketheeswaram temple”.       

Reaching the destination

From Colombo

Follow McCallum Road. Follow Colombo – Katunayake Expressway. Follow the Kandy-Jaffna highway to reach your destination. Continue on Mannar Road. Go and turn left onto Medawachchiya-Talaimannar Highway to your destination. Continue on Uyilankulam Adampan Road to your destination in Thiruketheeswaram.

From Mannar

Head southeast on St Sebastian Road. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Medawachchiya-Talaimannar Highway. Turn left at Thirukketheeswaram Junction Bus Stop onto Thiruketheswaran Access Road to reach your destination.