The Great Hindu Temples of Sri Lanka

Hinduism has deep roots in Sri Lanka, particularly among Tamil communities in the north, the east and the tea country. Its temples are full of colour, sound and devotion, and the great festivals are among the most exciting events on the island.

The Pancha Ishwarams

Tradition names five ancient temples to Shiva around the island's coast:

• Koneswaram, Trincomalee — dramatic, on Swami Rock high above the sea. The original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in the 17th century, and today's temple was rebuilt in the 20th century.
• Munneswaram, near Chilaw — a large west-coast temple with a popular festival, linked with Rama in tradition.
• Naguleswaram, Keerimalai — near the sacred freshwater springs on the north coast of the Jaffna peninsula.
• Thiruketheeswaram, near Mannar — an ancient temple on the road to Mannar Island, with a sacred tank.
• Tenavaram, Dondra — once a famous temple near Dondra Head, destroyed by the Portuguese. A Vishnu shrine continues the tradition in the town.

Other great temples

Nallur Kandaswamy, Jaffna

Nallur Kandaswamy is the best-known Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, with a golden gopuram. Its long summer festival draws huge crowds. Read our Jaffna itinerary.

Kataragama

Kataragama in the deep south is sacred to Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims alike. Its July and August festival has included fire-walking and intense acts of devotion.

Colombo's temples

The Kathiresan temples in the Pettah area, near Pettah Market, start the annual Vel festival, when a chariot carries the god Murugan's lance through the city.

Hill country temples

The Seetha Amman Temple and the Hanuman temple at Ramboda are on the Ramayana trail, and tea-estate communities have their own small, colourful temples. Matale's Muthumariamman Temple has a tall, sculpted gopuram.

Festivals

• Thai Pongal (January) — harvest celebration.
• Maha Shivaratri (February or March) — all-night vigil.
• Nallur festival (around August and September) — about 25 days.
• Vel festival (around July or August) — Colombo.
• Deepavali (October or November) — festival of lights.

Dates follow the lunar and Tamil calendars. See our festivals calendar.

Etiquette

• Remove your shoes before entering, and leave them at the entrance.
• Dress modestly. Men may have to remove their shirts in inner areas, particularly in Jaffna.
• Don't enter the inner sanctum unless invited.
• Ask before taking photos, as some temples don't allow them.
• Use your right hand when accepting offerings.
• Non-Hindus are generally welcome, but please follow local rules.

Vegetarian meals are easy to find around Hindu temples. See our Jaffna food guide.

Keep planning

• Travelling from India: flights, ETA, rupees and food
• A short history of Sri Lanka
• The Pancha Ishwarams: five ancient Shiva temples and a route