Planning to visit the Munneswaram temple in Chilaw? Here are all the necessary details you must know.
About Munneswaram Temple
Munneswaram Temple is one of the significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. This temple, belonging to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, was built way back in 1000 AD. There are coins dating back to 1100 AD, when the temple started issuing its own coins.
The temple is part of a complex consisting of five temples, with the main shrine being dedicated to Shiva and others honoring gods such as Ganesha, Ayyanayake, Kali, and Vishnu. It holds great spiritual significance for Hindus in Sri Lanka and is particularly famous for its annual Navaratri and Shivratri festivals.
The legend has it that after the fight with Ravana, Lord Ram (hero of the epic Ramayana) prayed here to get rid of Brahman hathya Dosha (sin of killing a Brahmin). Lord Shiva is said to have appeared before him, blessing the location, and as a result, the temple became a major pilgrimage site.
Over the centuries, the temple has been reconstructed multiple times, with the current structure showcasing rich Dravidian architectural elements.
Location
Munneswaram kovil is located in the town of Chilaw, a coastal town in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. The distance from Colombo is around 80 km.
To reach Munneswaram Temple, you can take a private vehicle, taxi, or public transport. Buses frequently run from Colombo to Chilaw, and from there, local transport options such as tuk-tuks are available to reach the temple. The train service from Colombo to Chilaw is another convenient and scenic travel option.
Opening Time
Munneswaram Temple opens daily. The temple follows traditional Hindu timings for worship and rituals, with specific opening hours in the morning and evening:
- Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The temple holds regular prayers conducted by priests. The best time to visit is in the early morning when the atmosphere is cool, and the temple is less crowded. In the evenings, the temple takes on a different ambiance with oil lamps and chants, creating a divine experience.
During special religious festivals such as Navaratri and Maha Shivratri, the temple remains open for extended hours.
Tickets
There is no entry fee to the temple. But if you wish to offer anything in the temple, like the flowers, diyas, or prasadam, then you can buy from the shops outside the temple. During festival periods, you may need to pay additional charges for special rituals and blessings. You can also donate as per your wish. These donations are used for improvements in the temple.
If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, then don’t forget to add Munneswaram temple to your list. This Dravidian-style temple is 1000 years old and is a significant landmark in the history of Sri Lanka and Hinduism.
The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and serene atmosphere. Make sure you follow the temple timings. You can also use this article to plan your visit to this temple.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
