Hinduism

Hinduism has a long tradition in Sri Lanka, and Hindus make up around 13% of the population. Although more concentrated in the North, temples and kovils can be found in all corners of the island. Take a Tour of some the most sacred and beautiful Hindu devotional sites in the Sri Lanka.

Ramayana Sites Ramayana Trail

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Sri Lanka is home to numerous Hindu devotional sites, offering profound spiritual and cultural experiences. The island's rich heritage is reflected in its ancient temples, vibrant festivals, and sacred landmarks. Among the most revered sites is the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna, dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its grand architecture and annual festival. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy holds immense significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Other notable temples include the Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee and the Munneswaram Temple in Chilaw. These sacred spaces serve as havens for devotion, prayer, and exploration of Sri Lanka’s Hindu traditions.

Hindu devotional sites in the Sri Lanka

Located in a sleepy hamlet in the outskirts of Chilaw, this temple is dedicated to the Lord Ishwara, and is similar to other famous temples such as Koneswaram and Thiruketheeswaram, in that three Sivalingams are enshrined here.
Muneeshwaram Temple, Chilaw
Venerated by Saivites from across the continent, this temple is located inTrincomaleein the Eastern Province. The primary deity is the Lord God Shiva in the form of Konesar.
Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee
Found about seven miles North of Mannar town, this is purported to be the ancient temple where Kethu Bhagavan worshipped Lord Siva, giving it its name. The holy waters present in the Palavi Tank adjacent to it are also venerated through the ages.
Tiruketeeswaram Temple, Mannar

Manavari, about 6 kms north of Chilaw, is the first place where Lord Rama installed a Lingam, as a remedy to Lord Shiva after committing Brahmincide by killing the King Ravana who was a Brahmin. This Shiva Lingam in Manavari is called Ramalingam because it was made by Lord Rama.
Manavari Temple, Chilaw
The historic Kandaswamy Temple in Nallur, not far away from Jaffna's town centre, is dedicated to Lord Murugan in the form of the divine spear Vel, a well-known symbol of Tamil religiousness.
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Jaffna
Shri Mamangeshwarar Kovil in Amarnthakali, or Amirthakally, 6 kms away from Batticaloa, is a well-known holy place for Hindus, who believe that bathing in the sacred water of Mamangeshwarar tank will improve the rebirth conditions for their deceased relatives.
Amarnthakali, Batticaloa
Kandy's Tooth Relic Temple is the most significant Buddhist holy place in Sri Lanka, venerated by Buddhists from Southeast Asia as well. There are four shrines for Gods connected to the Buddha's Tooth Temple.
Temple of the Tooth and Devales, Kandy
The Sita Amman Temple, located halfway between the highland village Sita Eliya and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, has become the most venerated of all Ramayana Trail sites in Sri Lanka.
Sita Amman Temple And Ashok Vatica, Sita Eliya
Kataragama is the name of the God and his hometown as well.Kataragamais the Sinhalese form of Skanda, also known as Subhramaniya. He usually is called Murugan or Karthikeya by Tamils.
Kataragama